Recipe: Blush Pasta

Make your Valentine's meal great with Rachael Ray's recipes.

Feb. 12, 2009 — -- Valentine's Day is just two days away, and if you're still trying to perfect that lovers' menu for the special day, Rachael Ray has some meal ideas for you. Check out her sweets for your sweetie below.

Blush Pasta

1 tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated

1 28-ounce can of crushed Italian tomatoes, such as San Marzano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

½ cup heavy cream

Handful fresh basil, leaves torn

(1 pinch of sugar if you can't get Italian crushed tomatoes)

Place a large pot of water over high heat to boil the pasta. When the water reaches a boil, salt it and add the pasta. Cook to al dente according to package directions and then drain. Return pasta to pot it was cooked in and reserve.

While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium low heat, then add EVOO. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the can of tomatoes to the pan, bring up to a bubble and let simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, add the heavy cream and stir together to make a blush sauce. Add the sauce to the pot of cooked pasta along with the torn basil and parmigiano-reggiano cheese. Toss together and serve.

Serves 4

Courtesy "Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book" (Clarkson Potter 2008)

More Dishes from Rachael Ray

Carbornara

Love Birds Chicken