Pasta Weesie, also known as Pasta Vesuvio or Pasta Vesi is a popular Italian-American pasta dish cooked with linguine or spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, butter, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. It is sour and spicy.
A tasty sauce is produced by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil and butter until aromatic, then add white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. The sauce coats cooked pasta. Before serving, Parmesan cheese is usually added.
Pasta Weesie is a major dish that can be altered. Shrimp, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach may be added for taste and texture. Italian Americans love this simple pasta meal.
How to make a Pasta Weesie
The tangy and slightly spicy flavors of this Italian-American pasta dish are simply irresistible.
So, I decided to experiment and recreate this delightful dish in my own kitchen.
I will share with you my step-by-step instructions to make Pasta Weesie, along with some helpful tips, FAQs, and customization options.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this amazing pasta dish
Step 1: Pasta Weesie Ingredients
To make Pasta Weesie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step by Step Instructions to Make Pasta Weesie
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water to season the pasta.
Once the water is boiling and seasoned, add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means the pasta should be cooked until it is firm to the bite.
Cooking time may vary depending on the type and brand of pasta you use, so be sure to check the package for guidance.
When the pasta is cooked to al dente, carefully drain it in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the flavor of the dish, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat if needed.
Next, add the white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the alcohol to cook off. The sauce should reduce slightly and thicken.
Then, reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the pan, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. The butter adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, balancing out the tangy flavors of the lemon juice and wine.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta into the Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce using tongs or a pasta fork to ensure that every strand is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. The starchy pasta cooking water will also help to emulsify the sauce and create a silky texture.
Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Be mindful of the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese that will be added later, so adjust the seasoning accordingly. Give the pasta a final toss to make sure that the sauce is fully incorporated and the pasta is well-coated.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Once the pasta is coated in the sauce, it’s time to add the star of the show – the Parmesan cheese!
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta and toss it gently to distribute the cheese evenly. The Parmesan cheese will melt and add a salty, nutty flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
To serve, transfer the Pasta Weesie to individual plates or a serving platter. If desired, you can garnish the dish with some chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
The vibrant green parsley adds a lovely contrast to the pale yellow pasta and makes the dish visually appealing.
Can I use a different type of pasta for Pasta Weesie?
Absolutely! While linguine or spaghetti are commonly used, you can experiment with other types of pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni to suit your preferences.
Making Pasta Weesie Flavorful Variations
Add protein: Cooked shrimp, chicken, or scallops make the meal heartier. Before adding the pasta, sauté the protein in the sauce or cook it separately and add it at the end.
Play with vegetables: Add a variety of vegetables to make the dish healthier and tastier. The sauce’s tanginess complements mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and asparagus. After sautéing the vegetables in the sauce, add the pasta and finish the process.
Adjust spiciness: Red pepper flakes can be used to make Pasta Weesie milder or spicier. Start with a tiny quantity and add more as needed, tasting as you go.
Pasta Weesie generally uses linguine or spaghetti, but you may try fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni for a different taste. To hold up in the sauce, pasta should be cooked al dente.
What goes best with the Pasta Weesie
There are a variety of pasta dishes that go well with the Pasta Weesie recipe. Some people prefer to add sausage to their pasta dish, while others enjoy garlic and parsley instead. Whatever you choose, make sure it is well-cooked before serving.
How to serve Pasta Weesie
When it comes to serving Pasta Weesie, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you enjoy this dish at its best
Plate Presentation: Use a broad, shallow pasta bowl or large-rimmed plate to make your Pasta Weesie look good. Create a mound in the center of the plate by twisting the spaghetti with tongs or a pasta fork. For a pleasing presentation, evenly divide shrimp and sauce over spaghetti.
To add color and freshness, garnish your Pasta Weesie with chopped parsley or basil. For extra taste, put grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Pasta Weesie’s richness goes well with lighter sides. A mild vinaigrette-dressed mixed greens salad or steamed asparagus or broccoli helps balance the pasta’s taste.
Bread: Serve crusty bread to soak up that scrumptious sauce! Pasta Weesie goes well with a warm baguette or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Pasta Weesie Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the white wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and gently toss to combine.
I hope you enjoyed learning about this delicious and easy-to-make Pasta Weesie recipe! It’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to satisfy your pasta cravings. The combination of creamy fettuccine and tangy lemon butter shrimp is simply irresistible.
If you decide to give this recipe a try, be sure to let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. And if you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
In the meantime, I hope you’ll continue to follow my food blog for more recipe inspiration. Until next time, happy cooking!
