Create Delicious Mixed Sauce Pasta with White and Red Sauces at Home

Introduction to Mixed Sauce Pasta

Mixed sauce pasta, often referred to as amore e guerra (love and war) in Italian cuisine, is a perfect blend of vibrant red and creamy white sauces. This dish is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of a white sauce with the fiery flavor of a red sauce, creating a complex and delicious dining experience right in your own kitchen. Let's dive into the steps to make this delightful pasta dish.

Ingredients

Pasta

8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli, or your choice) Salt for boiling water

Red Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2-3 garlic cloves, minced 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

White Sauce

2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Preparing the Red Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If using, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Preparing the White Sauce

Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (optional). Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combining the Sauces

Add the red sauce to the skillet and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Tossing with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine thoroughly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.

Serving

Serve the mixed sauce pasta hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Tips

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms or proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp to enhance the dish. Adjust the ratio of red and white sauce to suit your taste!

Enjoy Your Delicious Mixed Sauce Pasta!

With this guide, you can create a perfect mixed sauce pasta that will satisfy both your taste buds and your desire for a unique culinary experience. Experiment with different pasta shapes and sauces to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!