Best Easy Mascarpone Pasta Recipe | Jamie Oliver
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious pasta recipe to add to your repertoire, then Jamie Oliver’s Mascarpone Pasta is a must-try. This creamy and indulgent dish is incredibly easy to make and will impress your family and friends with its rich flavors.
To make this Mascarpone Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 400g of pasta (penne or fusilli works well)
– 200g of mascarpone cheese
– 200g of smoked bacon or pancetta
– 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
– 1 small bunch of fresh thyme, leaves picked
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– Parmesan cheese, grated
– Salt and pepper to taste
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon or pancetta in a large pan until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the garlic and thyme leaves and cook for a minute until fragrant. Stir in the mascarpone cheese until melted and smooth. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add half of the lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the mascarpone sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Crumble the crispy bacon over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and the remaining lemon zest.
Serve the Mascarpone Pasta immediately and enjoy the creamy goodness. The mascarpone cheese adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the dish, while the bacon and thyme provide a delicious salty and herby flavor. The lemon zest adds a refreshing zing that balances out the richness of the sauce.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne or fusilli work well, but feel free to experiment with other shapes.
2. Can I substitute mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese as a substitute. However, the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to serve this dish immediately after cooking to enjoy the freshness and creaminess of the sauce. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook the pasta when ready to serve.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the creamy sauce may separate and become grainy upon reheating.
6. Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or grilled zucchini to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.
7. Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried thyme if fresh thyme is not available. However, adjust the amount to about half a teaspoon as dried herbs are more concentrated.
8. Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, you can substitute lime for lemon if you prefer.
9. Can I add chili flakes for extra heat?
Yes, if you like a spicy kick, feel free to sprinkle some chili flakes over the pasta.
10. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mascarpone cheese is the star ingredient in this recipe, you can experiment with other creamy cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese.
11. Can I add protein to the pasta?
If you’d like to add more protein to the dish, you can toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or grilled salmon.