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Ingredients
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Pasta & base
Protein (choose one or combine)
Vegetables & aromatics
Sauce & finishing
Garnish (optional)
Method
Pasta & base
- 1
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and the pasta. Cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Protein (choose one or combine)
- 2
Cook protein
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil (if skillet is dry) and add chosen protein: for chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through; for shrimp, cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque; for sausage, brown and crumble 4–5 minutes until cooked through. Transfer cooked protein to a plate and tent with foil. If using multiple proteins, cook in batches and combine on the plate.
Vegetables & aromatics
- 3
Sauté vegetables
In the same skillet over medium heat, add a touch more oil if needed. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook 3 minutes until they release moisture. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Sauce & finishing
- 4
Deglaze and make sauce
Raise heat to medium-high and pour in 1 tablespoon white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let it reduce for about 30–45 seconds. Lower heat to medium, pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens slightly, 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
- 5
Combine everything
Return the cooked protein to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach the desired consistency (use up to 1/2 cup). Stir in chopped fresh basil.
- 6
Finish and serve: Transfer pasta to warmed plates or a serving bowl. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and drizzle with 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.