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–+ servings
A close-up of a creamy portion of Valentine’s Day Pasta for Two, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.

Valentine's Day Pasta for Two

This recipe makes a simple, flavorful pasta dish suitable for a small, intimate meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 6 ounces Linguine or spaghetti
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 cup Reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 pinch Salt and black pepper To taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  6. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately, topping each portion with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

You can add cooked shrimp or sautéed mushrooms to this dish for extra flavor and protein.

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