A Pasta Truly More Than a Sum of its Parts

Seriously everyone, I have never eaten a pasta I loved more. It is a MUST try. I basically was trying to use up everything in the fridge, and inadvertently stumbled upon this decadent feast. It actually tastes exactly like a sauce from one of my favourite restaurants (after they accommodate my modifications). Only better!

You may think you don’t need another quick weeknight pasta dish. But you do! 

                Farfalle Pasta with Creamy Lemon-Dill Tomato Sauce

12 ounces Farfalle or Penne

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 shallots, thinly sliced

Sprinkling of salt and pepper

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 28 can San Marzano tomatoes, with juice
1 14 oz can San Marzano tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes

Couple sprigs fresh oregano

5 ounces cream cheese, cubed and brought to room temperature

Salt and Pepper

Plenty of fresh dill, finely chopped (about half of a large bunch)

1 lemon

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water, just until al dente. Drain the pasta, being sure to reserve 2 cups of the water. Toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil and set aside.

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the shallot until just softened. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds, or until aromatic.

Add canned tomatoes. Break the tomatoes up with a spoon. Now add 1 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.  Place the oregano sprigs in the pan and let this concoction simmer for 20 minutes or so.

With the sauce still simmering, stir in the cream cheese cubes. Continue to stir until sauce is completely combined. If it is too thick, add a bit more of the reserved cooking water.

Now hit it with more salt and pepper. Add the dill and the juice of the lemon and stir to combine. Stir in the pasta until just heated through. Add more reserved water if needed. Taste for salt and pepper. 

This dish is truly more than a sum of its parts. I love love love it!!!!!