Pasta in Southwestern Sauce

Southwestern Pasta Recipe with Sherry, Garlic, and Jalapeno Peppers

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pasta in Southwestern Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of the Southwest with the comfort of pasta. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, but also elegant enough to serve to guests.

History

The origins of Pasta in Southwestern Sauce are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, jalapenos, and fresh herbs creates a unique and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of dry sherry
1 tbsp of minced fresh garlic
0.25 cup of minced shallots
4 sun dried tomatoes (not oil packed), coarsely chopped
2 tbsp of finely chopped jalapeno peppers
2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped (or 1.5 cups of chopped canned plum tomatoes)
0.5 lb (227 g) of fresh pasta of choice
2 tbsp of chopped fresh basil
2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Heat sherry in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble.
Add garlic and shallots to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add sun-dried tomatoes, jalapenos, and regular tomatoes to the skillet.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Once the sauce has simmered for 20 minutes, drain and rinse the cooked pasta.
Add the pasta to the skillet with the sauce, then sprinkle with basil and parsley.
Toss everything together and serve immediately.
Note: The original recipe called for 1 tsp of olive oil for sautéing.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the sauce for a protein boost.
Use different types of pasta, such as penne or spaghetti, for a different texture.
Add black beans or corn to the sauce for a Southwestern twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the garlic and shallots over medium-high heat to release their flavors without burning them.

- Simmering the sauce for 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

- Toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving to ensure that each bite is coated in the delicious Southwestern flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta in Southwestern Sauce can be served on its own as a main dish, or paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the garlic and shallots over medium-high heat to release their flavors.

- Simmer the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving to ensure that each bite is coated in the delicious Southwestern flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white wine or chicken broth in place of sherry.

- Substitute red onion for shallots.

- Use dried herbs in place of fresh if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce for Pasta in Southwestern Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Pasta in Southwestern Sauce with additional fresh herbs, such as cilantro or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pasta in Southwestern Sauce pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also pairs nicely with a light beer, such as a pilsner or lager.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Pasta in Southwestern Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pasta in Southwestern Sauce contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pasta in Southwestern Sauce contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pasta in Southwestern Sauce contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Pasta in Southwestern Sauce contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pasta in Southwestern Sauce is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the tomatoes and jalapenos in the sauce. It also contains a variety of minerals, including potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta. It may also contain sulfites from the sun-dried tomatoes.

Summary

Pasta in Southwestern Sauce is a relatively low-calorie dish that is high in carbohydrates and protein. It is a good source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Pasta in Southwestern Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With bold Southwestern flavors and a comforting pasta base, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little adobe home in the heart of the Southwest. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to the delicious meals she would prepare for me whenever I came to visit.

On this particular day, Maria was busy in the kitchen, humming a tune as she chopped fresh vegetables and stirred a bubbling pot of sauce on the stove. The aroma of garlic and spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, peering over her shoulder to get a closer look at the simmering pot.

"It's a special recipe I learned from my grandmother," Maria replied with a smile. "Pasta in Southwestern Sauce. It's a family favorite."

I watched in awe as Maria added some corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the sauce, along with a generous helping of chili powder and cumin. The sauce took on a rich, spicy flavor that made my taste buds tingle with excitement.

As the pasta cooked al dente on the stove, Maria poured the sauce over it and tossed everything together until the noodles were evenly coated. She served me a steaming bowl of Pasta in Southwestern Sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

I took my first bite and was immediately transported to flavor heaven. The pasta was perfectly cooked, the sauce was savory and spicy, and the combination of ingredients was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I savored every mouthful, savoring the unique blend of flavors that Maria had created.

"Maria, this is incredible!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my enthusiasm. "I must have the recipe for Pasta in Southwestern Sauce. Will you teach me how to make it?"

Maria smiled at my eagerness and nodded. "Of course, my dear friend. I would be happy to share the recipe with you. It's a simple dish to prepare, but the key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to let the flavors meld together slowly over low heat."

And so, Maria taught me how to make Pasta in Southwestern Sauce. She showed me how to sauté onions and garlic until they were soft and translucent, then add in the vegetables and spices to create a fragrant base for the sauce. She demonstrated the importance of simmering the sauce slowly, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify with each passing minute.

I watched and learned as Maria worked her culinary magic, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed until the sauce was just right. Finally, she poured the sauce over the pasta and tossed everything together, finishing the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dollop of creamy sour cream.

As I took my first bite of the Pasta in Southwestern Sauce that I had made with Maria's guidance, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. The flavors were bold and vibrant, the textures were perfect, and every bite was a delicious symphony of tastes and aromas.

From that day on, Pasta in Southwestern Sauce became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home when I wanted a comforting and satisfying meal. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love of food and cooking.

Years passed, and I continued to make Pasta in Southwestern Sauce, passing the recipe down to my children and grandchildren. It became a beloved family tradition, a dish that brought us together around the table to share stories, laughter, and love.

And so, the memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will always be a happy one for me. It represents not only a delicious culinary creation but also a cherished friendship and a legacy of sharing and teaching that will endure for generations to come.