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Sautéing is a fundamental technique in cooking that enhances the natural flavors of vegetables and forms a flavorful base for many dishes. For the Spicy Hatch Chili Pasta, start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. You want the oil to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough to start cooking.

Hatch Chili Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Discover a culinary adventure with Spicy Hatch Chili Pasta with Creamy Sauce! This delicious dish perfectly balances spicy and creamy, featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce infused with the unique flavors of Hatch chiles. Learn about the history and versatility of these chiles while enjoying a comforting meal that's great for family dinners or gatherings. Dive into a world of flavors and elevate your pasta dishes today!

Ingredients
  

8 oz of pasta (your choice: penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4-6 roasted Hatch green chiles, diced (adjust according to spice preference)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

    - In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables:

        - In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

          Add the Chiles:

            - Stir in the diced roasted Hatch green chiles and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

              Make the Creamy Sauce:

                - Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously while adding the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

                  Combine Pasta and Sauce:

                    - Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you desire extra heat, add red pepper flakes to your liking.

                      Serve:

                        - Divide the Hatch chili pasta into serving bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and finish with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.

                          Enjoy:

                            - Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the comforting combination of creamy sauce and spicy Hatch chiles!

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings