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Cheesy Orange Pasta

Creamy Cheesy Orange Pasta to Brighten Your Dinner Table

This Cheesy Orange Pasta is a comforting and vibrant dish that combines rich cheeses with zesty orange flavors, perfect for any dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 250 g Pasta Penne or farfalle recommended for optimal sauce adhesion.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Can substitute with any neutral cooking oil.
  • 1 medium Orange Fresh orange is preferred for maximum zest.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • 100 ml Heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy option.
  • 150 g Cheddar cheese Choose sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste.
  • 50 g Parmesan cheese Parmesan can be substituted with pecorino.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • Fresh basil leaves Can be omitted or substituted with parsley.
  • Grated orange zest Optional garnish for an extra burst of flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Orange Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 250 grams of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the juice and zest of 1 medium fresh orange, stirring to combine with the garlic. Let it simmer for around 2 minutes.
  4. Add 100 ml of heavy cream to the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Gradually mix in 150 grams of grated cheddar and 50 grams of grated parmesan cheese until melted completely into the sauce.
  6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the cheese sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of orange zest if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Cheesy Orange Pasta is a feast for the taste buds and a beautiful dish for any dinner table.

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