Pastas Otto Siciliano in Orient Express Style
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Pastas Otto Siciliano is a luxurious fusion dish that combines the creamy richness of risotto-style pasta with bold Sicilian flavors and an exotic touch inspired by the Orient Express. This dish features saffron-infused pasta cooked slowly like risotto, blended with sun-dried tomatoes, Mediterranean herbs, and Parmesan, creating a silky, aromatic masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
✔️ Rich & Creamy Texture – Cooked like risotto but with pasta! ✔️ Exotic Sicilian Flavors – Saffron, sun-dried tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs. ✔️ Unique & Elegant – Inspired by the luxurious dining experience of the Orient Express. ✔️ Easy Yet Sophisticated – A perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. |
Ingredients: (Serves 2-3)
200g short pasta (orzo, ditalini, or small rigatoni)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup white wine (optional, for depth)
¼ tsp saffron threads (or ½ tsp turmeric for color)
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ cup heavy cream or mascarpone
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Lemon zest, for extra brightness
Instructions:
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
2️⃣ Toast the Pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors.
3️⃣ Deglaze the Pan: Pour in white wine and let it simmer until mostly absorbed.
4️⃣ Add the Broth: Slowly add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly like a risotto.
5️⃣ Infuse with Saffron & Herbs: Add saffron, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Continue stirring and adding broth until pasta is al dente.
6️⃣ Finish with Cream & Cheese: Stir in cream and Parmesan, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh basil, lemon zest, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!
200g short pasta (orzo, ditalini, or small rigatoni)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup white wine (optional, for depth)
¼ tsp saffron threads (or ½ tsp turmeric for color)
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ cup heavy cream or mascarpone
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Lemon zest, for extra brightness
Instructions:
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
2️⃣ Toast the Pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors.
3️⃣ Deglaze the Pan: Pour in white wine and let it simmer until mostly absorbed.
4️⃣ Add the Broth: Slowly add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly like a risotto.
5️⃣ Infuse with Saffron & Herbs: Add saffron, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Continue stirring and adding broth until pasta is al dente.
6️⃣ Finish with Cream & Cheese: Stir in cream and Parmesan, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh basil, lemon zest, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Variations & Add-Ons:
🦐 Seafood Version: Add shrimp or scallops for a luxurious touch.
🍆 Vegetarian Twist: Toss in grilled eggplant or zucchini.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or harissa paste.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Serve with Chardonnay or Sicilian white wine.
Tips for the Best Pastasotto Siciliano:
✔️ Use short pasta – Small pasta shapes absorb flavors better.
✔️ Stir continuously – Just like risotto, this keeps the dish creamy.
✔️ Use high-quality saffron – Adds deep, aromatic richness.
✔️ Balance flavors – Sun-dried tomatoes bring sweetness, while Parmesan adds depth.
🦐 Seafood Version: Add shrimp or scallops for a luxurious touch.
🍆 Vegetarian Twist: Toss in grilled eggplant or zucchini.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or harissa paste.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Serve with Chardonnay or Sicilian white wine.
Tips for the Best Pastasotto Siciliano:
✔️ Use short pasta – Small pasta shapes absorb flavors better.
✔️ Stir continuously – Just like risotto, this keeps the dish creamy.
✔️ Use high-quality saffron – Adds deep, aromatic richness.
✔️ Balance flavors – Sun-dried tomatoes bring sweetness, while Parmesan adds depth.