Whenever I’m tempted to take an ego trip, I need only remind myself that one of the all-time most popular recipes on my blog was written by… my husband. Despite his lack of kitchen prowess (or perhaps because of it), the man has a way of making simple recipes (like this Chicken Pesto Pasta and Ricotta Pasta) taste stunning, like today’s sun dried tomato pasta with chicken. The alternative title of this post was “Idiot Proof Date Night Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta,” a name Ben embraced with surprising gusto. While he has many wonderful qualities, basic culinary skills don’t happen to be any of them. Fortunately for the two of us, today’s sun dried tomato pasta requires little beyond an ability to stir (this Garlic Pasta is another easy peasy recipe to try). Although Ben rarely cooks, Valentine’s Day is an exception. Every year, he makes the two of us a memorable meal. (Last Valentine’s, he made me this Balsamic Glazed Salmon.) Today he’s back with another foolproof dish (and romance tips?) that’s sure to woo your sweetie.
How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
A Guest Post by Ben Clarke Gentlemen, before we begin your quest for Mr. Right immortality via this sun dried tomato pasta, I have a confession: the first meal I ever made for Erin was a frozen Stouffer’s lasagna (that may or may have still been cold in the middle). She was surprisingly gracious and later married me (and made me a proper Vegetable Lasagna), so I trust the damage wasn’t permanent. Fortunately for myself and hapless cooks the world over, treating your special someone to a romantic dinner doesn’t have to require any actual culinary skill. This sun dried tomato pasta recipe—along with a few of my secret tips—will be your guide to success.
The Ingredients
Pasta: Go for bowties. They’re a gentleman’s pasta. (I’m told they’re also called “farfalle.” I’m skeptical.)Sun Dried Tomatoes: Do you see that little red jar? It’s your new best friend (it’s also used in this Italian Sausage Sun Dried Tomato Pasta). Open the jar, add it to the pan, and your chicken pasta will taste like you were just chillin’ with Giada. Don’t let your date think that.Wine: A few splashes for the pasta. Some for you and your date. More for you and your date. Still more.Spinach: Women like this. It’s trendy and (allegedly) packed with things like iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin, K, and folate. (If your date is into green stuff, consider this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese for your next date.)Heavy Cream. Keep this ingredient to yourself. It will make the pasta taste like Tuscany, but your date will prefer not to know. Accept her praises. Maintain your air of culinary mystery. Women like mysterious.
The Directions
You’ve got this! With this creamy pasta recipe as your new signature move, the V in “Valentine’s” is for victory. If you’re adventurous, make an easy chocolate dessert.
While the pasta cooks, throw around a few well-timed culinary terms. When the pasta is done, say “al dente.” When you add the wine, “deglaze.” When she kisses you in gratitude, “Boo-yah!” Though personal research has proven that may not be warmly received. Come back for next year’s guest post, and maybe I’ll have learned a few more.Grate fresh Parmesan cheese tableside. This date is all about service.Background music. “The Way You Look Tonight” = yes. “Get Low” = prepare to dine alone.Wear an apron. Women appreciate gender-role reversal and don’t appreciate a giant heavy cream splash on your shirt.
More Date Night Pasta Recipes
Chicken Broccoli ZitiGarlic Shrimp PastaBaked Shrimp ScampiLemon Shrimp Pasta with AsparagusCreamy Chicken Bacon Pasta
