Pasta Valenzana

Indulge in the bold Mediterranean flavors of Pasta Valenzana, a creamy, flavor-packed dish that will elevate your pasta night with minimal effort! Featuring tender penne or fusilli enveloped in a velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the perfect balance of sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, this recipe is a delightful fusion of creamy and tangy. Aromatic garlic and sautéed onions build a robust base, while fresh parsley and basil add a pop of herbaceous freshness to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy yet gourmet pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that irresistible finishing touch! Whether you're searching for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner or a crowd-pleasing comfort food recipe, Pasta Valenzana checks all the boxes.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g Pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 pcs Garlic cloves
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 100 g Sun-dried tomatoes
• 100 g Kalamata olives (pitted)
• 200 ml Heavy cream
• 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.25 tsp Red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Chop the garlic and onion finely. Add them to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4

Slice the sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives into small pieces. Add them to the skillet and stir for 2–3 minutes to combine.

Step 5

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 8

Remove from heat and fold in the chopped parsley and basil for a fresh flavor.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1028.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2439.0

Total Fat 152.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.1g
Cholesterol 240mg	0%
Sodium 4074.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 202.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.8g	0%
Total Sugars 46.8g
Protein 59.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 819.1mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 4011.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.7%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 33.4%