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Lady Gaga Pasta

Lady Gaga Pasta is a bold, spontaneous dish that combines al dente pasta with a lively tomato sauce flavored with garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil. The sauce thickens and clings to the pasta, creating a vibrant and slightly messy-looking final dish packed with personality and flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g pasta (penne or rigatoni) al dente cooked
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes good quality
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar adds depth and brightness
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil torn just before serving
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil good quality for drizzling

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or large frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or tongs
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and you can hear a gentle sizzle. Add the chopped garlic and a pinch of chili flakes, sautéing until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and releases a rich aroma, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed—adding a pinch of sugar if too acidic or a splash of water if too thick. Tear the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce just before combining with the pasta.
  5. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the pasta evenly, for about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Finish by sprinkling generously with freshly grated Parmesan and drizzling with a bit more olive oil for a glossy, flavorful finish. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Notes

This dish is all about bold flavors and spontaneous assembly. Feel free to add chili flakes or extra basil to match your personality and taste.