If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen* {Recipes: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Pasta and Italian Seasoning Mix}

It is too hot to spend much time in the kitchen! Temperatures are soaring and I want to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible. This is a super quick and easy pasta that is loaded with flavor. Serve with a simple green salad and call dinner done.

*Fun fact: The quote, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." is attributed to Harry S. Truman.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Pasta

1-16 ounce package of Farfalle (bow tie) pasta
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup flour

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

3/4 cup milk (I use 2%)

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning-see below

1/4 teaspoon paprika

A pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for grating on top 

salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil, about 4-6 leaves

Cook pasta according to package directions; set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat melt butter, then add olive oil. Add garlic to butter/oil mixture and heat until fragrant (when you start to smell the garlic). Whisk in flour and cook for a minute or two, then slowly whisk in vegetable or chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Whisk in sun-dried tomatoes, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook sauce, stirring constantly, until thickened. Toss in cooked pasta and stir until well combined, check seasoning, sprinkle top with with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper, if using. Serve immediately.

Makes 8 servings

Italian Seasoning Mix

This recipe comes from my mother's old recipe file, it is my favorite Italian Seasoning Mix. 

3 tablespoons oregano

2 tablespoons EACH basil, marjoram, and parsley

1 tablespoon EACH thyme, rosemary, and fennel seed*

2 small bay leaves**

Stir herbs together in a small bowl, then store in a small airtight container (I use a 1/2 pint canning jar). 

*I don't care for fennel seed, so I leave it out.

**Original recipe says to crumble the bay leaves, I don't do this because bay leaves can be sharp edges and can cause an issue with elderly people and young children.

Enjoy!