Dirty Martini Pasta: Quick & Creamy Cocktail-Inspired Delight
Dirty Martini Pasta is a quick and creamy dish that combines the rich flavors of pasta and cocktails in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- - Large skillet
- - Measuring cups
- - Measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz Spaghetti The perfect base offering structure and texture for the creamy sauce.
- Kosher salt Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing flavors.
For the Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil Adds richness and is great for sautéing the garlic.
- 4 cloves Garlic, sliced Provides aromatic depth that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1 cup Pitted Castelvetrano or green olives, torn Adds a delightful brininess.
- ⅓ cup Olive brine Enhances the cocktail flavor profile.
- 1 unit Zest of lemon Brings a burst of brightness that balances the richness.
- ⅓ cup Gin or vodka Choose based on preference; both offer unique herbal notes.
- ⅔ cup Heavy cream Creates a velvety sauce.
- ⅔ cup Finely grated Parmesan Delivers umami richness.
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter Enriches the sauce, adding a silky texture.
- ⅓ cup Finely chopped fresh parsley Adds color and a fresh flavor kick.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Fill a large pot with water, add kosher salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, cooking until fragrant and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in the torn Castelvetrano olives and the olive brine. Stir gently and let them meld together for about 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Pour in the gin or vodka, heavy cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Stir continuously until the sauce is luxuriously creamy, about 2-3 minutes, adjusting with reserved pasta water if necessary for desired consistency. Add the unsalted butter and chopped parsley, mixing well, and serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick! Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.