Bombshell Pasta Recipe

Over the years, I’ve tried and tweaked countless pasta recipes, searching for that perfect combination that could genuinely be deemed a ‘showstopper.’ And finally, after much experimentation and a few happy accidents, I’ve nailed down a recipe that I am proud to call my Bombshell Pasta. It’s a dish that has wowed my family, impressed dinner guests, and even added a spark to quiet, cozy evenings at home.

How to make Bombshell Pasta

Bombshell Pasta isn’t a traditional or widely recognized pasta dish like carbonara or Alfredo, but the name has popped up in a few different ways—usually in recipes or menus as a catchy title.

Ingredients for Bombshell Pasta

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work great)
• Salt (for cooking pasta water)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional; can use chicken or vegetable broth instead)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Optional Add-ins:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, sautéing until they are transparent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the diced red bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the red pepper flakes and then deglaze the pan with white wine, scrapping any bits off the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce by half, which will take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then season with salt and black pepper.
7. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smoothly combined into the sauce.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
9. If using, add the cooked chicken and bacon bits and heat through.
10. Finishing Touches: Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
11. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with more Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves. Serve hot.

Tips for Perfecting Your Bombshell Pasta

• Pasta Type: Choose pasta that clings well to sauces, like spaghetti or fettuccine, to maximize flavor in every bite.
• Simmered Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer adequately after adding the tomatoes. This deepens the flavors.
• Cream Addition: Be sure to add the cream at a gentle simmer to prevent it from curdling.
• Fresh Basil: Always opt for fresh basil as it provides a burst of freshness that dried herbs can’t match.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water. The starchy water is excellent for adjusting the thickness and consistency of your sauce.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality tomatoes and olive oil as they are foundational to the sauce’s flavor profile.

What to serve with

When serving a show-stopping Bombshell Pasta, you’ll want to accompany it with sides that complement its flavors without overshadowing the main event.

1. A Refreshing Salad: To balance the richness of the pasta, consider a light, crisp salad. A simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, topped with shaved Parmesan and cherry tomatoes, adds a refreshing bite and a pop of color to your plate. The peppery arugula and acidic dressing cut through the decadence of the pasta, refreshing your palate between bites.

2. Garlic Bread: No pasta dish is complete without a side of warm, buttery garlic bread. Take a loaf of Italian bread, slice it, and spread a mix of butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a sprinkle of salt on each piece. Bake until golden and enjoy the irresistible combination of pasta with garlic-infused crunch. It’s perfect for sopping up any lingering sauce.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Roast an array of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the veggies, adding sweetness and depth to your meal. The vegetables’ char and earthiness offer a lovely contrast to the pasta’s bold flavors.

4. Antipasto Platter: An antipasto platter can serve as both an appetizer and a side. Curate a selection of Italian cold cuts (salami, prosciutto), cheeses (mozzarella, provolone), and pickled accompaniments (olives, artichokes, pepperoncini). This addition provides guests the chance to customize their meal experience with a variety of tastes and textures that match well with Italian cuisine.

5. Sautéed Greens: Sauté spinach, Swiss chard, or kale with garlic in olive oil until just wilted. This simple, nutritious side introduces a beautiful green element to your table. The savory greens complement the pasta’s richness and add an excellent source of fiber and vitamins.

6. Wine Pairing: Consider serving a wine that enhances the Bombshell Pasta experience. A full-bodied Chardonnay or a light, fruity Pinot Noir pairs well with creamy sauces, while a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a tart Sangiovese complements tomato-based sauces. The right wine elevates the flavors and turns a meal into a celebration.

7. A Light Dessert: End on a sweet note with a simple dessert that won’t weigh down your guests. Sorbet, panna cotta with fresh berries, or a lemon tart offers a refreshing finish that cleanses the palate and satisfies the sweet tooth without being too heavy after a rich pasta dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a delicious Bombshell Pasta can be quite adaptable depending on dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply what you have available in your kitchen.

Pasta

• Gluten-Free: There are numerous gluten-free pasta options available made from rice, corn, quinoa, or a blend of gluten-free flours.
• Low-Carb: Consider using zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash as a low-carb, veggie-based alternative.

Olive Oil

Substitutes: If you’re out of olive oil, you can use another type of vegetable oil such as avocado oil or even butter for sautéing your ingredients. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile.

Garlic and Onion

• Garlic Substitute: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Use 1/8 tsp for every clove of fresh garlic.
• Onion Substitute: If onions are unavailable, shallots or green onions can provide a similar base flavor. Onion powder is also an option, with one tablespoon of powder equivalent to one medium onion.

Red Bell Pepper and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Red Bell Pepper: If red bell peppers are unavailable, other sweet peppers or even chopped tomatoes can substitute.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Regular tomatoes, canned tomatoes (drained), or even roasted red peppers can be used as an alternate to deliver a similar tang and richness.

Red Pepper Flakes

Substitute: For less heat, you can eliminate red pepper flakes or use paprika for a milder, sweeter flavor.

White Wine

Substitutes: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a squeeze of lemon juice can be used. Non-alcoholic wine or apple cider vinegar (diluted) are also alternatives.

Crushed Tomatoes

Substitutes: Diced tomatoes can work in a pinch; simply blend them briefly to get a smoother texture similar to crushed tomatoes.

Heavy Cream

• Dairy-Free: Full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream are great dairy-free alternatives. They will change the flavor profile slightly but should still provide a creamy texture.
• Lower Fat: Evaporated milk or a lighter cream thickened with a tablespoon of flour can reduce the fat content.

Parmesan Cheese

• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese alternatives can provide a similar umami flavor.
• Substitutes: Romano or Asiago cheese can be used if Parmesan isn’t available for a similar sharp, salty flavor.

Fresh Basil

Substitutes: If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil can work. Since dried basil is more concentrated in flavor, use it in smaller quantities (typically, one-third the amount of dried herb to fresh).

Final Thoughts

This Bombshell Pasta recipe is not only packed with flavors but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.