Love Me Linguini | Centsational Style

Jump to the recipeThis is a go-to pasta dish in my house, I make it once a week for my men, Matt and my son both love this sauce! It is based on the “Marry Me to Chicken” recipe, but I made a few changes. Instead of sun-dried tomatoes, I use tomato paste, and instead of heavy cream, I use half-and-half, and I also add red chili flakes for a touch of spice. I call it “Love Me Linguini” because the sauce is very similar, but this recipe is a simple pasta dish, without the chicken.

There is something about the combination of roux, fresh garlic, cream, tomato paste and parmesan cheese that comes together to form the most delicious flavor. It’s a favorite comfort food in my house! I finally sat down to type the whole recipe. You can use spaghetti or penne instead of linguine which I used, they are just as good. This recipe serves four people.

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. a packet of linguini

2 tablespoons of olive oil

3 large, 4 medium or 5 small cloves of garlic, minced

3 tablespoons of butter

3 tablespoons of flour

2/3 cup half and half

1 cup broth (vegetable or chicken)

3 oz. or 1/2 can of tomato paste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/8 teaspoon of garlic or onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cook the linguine in salted water according to the instructions on the package. While the linguini is cooking, mix olive oil and minced garlic in a pan, simmer over low heat for 1 minute until the garlic softens and turns golden brown. Melt the butter, then add the flour and mix on low for 30 seconds until the mixture is consistent and thickened to form a roux.

Slowly add the half-and-half, stir for 30 seconds on low heat, add the broth and stir on low heat for another 30 seconds. Add tomato paste and mix on low heat for another 30 seconds. Add Parmesan cheese and mix it into the sauce over low heat, then all four spices. Continue to stir over low heat until a sauce forms.

Add 3-4 tablespoons of pasta water to the sauce and stir. Add the drained linguini to the sauce in the saucepan and stir. Plate and serve with vegetables like broccolini and sourdough crostini. Printable recipe below. Enjoy!