Description
Cranberry Spaghetti is a unique pasta dish that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a creamy sauce, creating an unexpected flavor blend that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the cranberry sauce into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir well to combine, then pour in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss in Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the cranberry cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the spaghetti and mix well until melted and evenly distributed.
- Serve: Plate the cranberry spaghetti hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- This dish is a great way to use fresh cranberries during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg