Name: Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz dried pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic; 28 oz tomatoes; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves; 1 oz dark chocolate; 1 tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp dried oregano; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; Optional garnishes:; fresh basil; parmesan cheese

A unique take on a classic Italian dish, this pasta with dark chocolate marinara sauce combines the rich, savory flavors of a traditional marinara sauce with the sweet, decadent notes of dark chocolate. The result is a delectable fusion of flavors that is sure to impress and surprise your guests.

Photos of Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce Recipe

Most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in any kitchen, such as pasta, olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. However, dark chocolate may be something you do not typically incorporate into your savory dishes. When shopping, look for a good quality dark chocolate, as it can significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Ingredients for Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce

Pasta: A staple food of traditional Italian cuisine, pasta is the main ingredient of the dish.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and making the sauce richer.

Garlic: Adds a distinctive, aromatic flavor to the sauce.

Tomatoes: The base for any classic marinara sauce.

Fresh basil leaves: Gives the sauce a fresh and slightly sweet flavor.

Dark chocolate: Adds a unique, sweet and rich flavor to the marinara sauce.

Sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Dried oregano: Adds an extra layer of warmth and earthiness to the sauce.

Red pepper flakes: Provides a kick of heat to balance out the sweet and savory elements.

One reader, Brier England says:

This pasta with dark chocolate marinara sauce recipe is a game-changer! The combination of rich, savory flavors with a hint of sweetness from the dark chocolate is simply divine. It's a unique and indulgent twist on a classic dish that will impress any dinner guest. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Brier England

Techniques Required for Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce Recipe

How to cook pasta al dente: Cooking pasta al dente involves boiling it in salted water until it is tender but still firm to the bite. This usually takes a few minutes less than the package instructions. It's important to test the pasta for doneness to ensure it's not overcooked.

How to make dark chocolate marinara sauce: This involves sautéing garlic in olive oil, then adding tomatoes, dark chocolate, sea salt, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. The sauce is then simmered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to garnish with fresh basil: Simply tear or chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta and sauce before serving. This adds a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.

How to serve with parmesan cheese: Grate or shave parmesan cheese over the pasta and sauce before serving to add a rich, savory flavor to the dish.

How To Make Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce

The dark chocolate marinara sauce in this pasta recipe is a unique mix that uses the dark chocolate to add a warm and subtle flavor to a classic sauce.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

12ozdried pasta
1tbspolive oil
4cloves garlic,minced
28oztomatoes,crushed
¼cupfresh basil leaves,roughly chopped, loosely packed
1ozdark chocolate,chopped
1tspsea salt
¼tspdried oregano
¼tspred pepper flakes,crushed

Optional Garnishes:

fresh basil,julienned
Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook pasta in generously-salted water al dente according to package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, and saute for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Add the remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
When the pasta is cooked, drain the water. Then serve the pasta with the sauce ladled on top, or stir together the pasta and sauce and serve with additional garnishes, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 428.60kcal
Fat: 8.11g
Saturated Fat: 2.50g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.58g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.10g
Carbohydrates: 75.59g
Fiber: 6.00g
Sugar: 9.25g
Protein: 13.64g
Cholesterol: 0.21mg
Sodium: 487.48mg
Calcium: 52.31mg
Potassium: 728.93mg
Iron: 2.63mg
Vitamin A: 88.14µg
Vitamin C: 28.41mg

Essential Technique Tip for Perfecting This Unique Pasta Dish

When making the dark chocolate marinara sauce, it's important to add the dark chocolate towards the end of the cooking process. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce, enhancing the flavor without overpowering it. Also, using high-quality dark chocolate can make a significant difference in the overall taste of the sauce.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Unique Pasta Dish

Plan ahead: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed to streamline the cooking process.

Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce to save time and ensure that both components are ready at the same time.

Use pre-made sauce: To save time, consider using a store-bought marinara sauce and simply adding dark chocolate to enhance the flavor.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of the sauce and freeze the extra portions for future use, saving time on preparation for the next meal.

Organize the workspace: Keep the cooking area clean and organized to minimize time spent searching for ingredients and utensils.

Substitute Ingredients For Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce Recipe

dried pasta - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: This substitution is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile and high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for cooking.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a unique twist to the dish.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative, providing a rich and smooth texture to the sauce.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used in place of fresh basil, offering a more concentrated flavor and aroma.
dark chocolate - Substitute with cocoa powder: Cocoa powder can be used to add a rich, chocolatey flavor to the marinara sauce without the sweetness of dark chocolate.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for sea salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used as an alternative herb, imparting a slightly different flavor profile to the sauce.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients in the sauce.

How to Present This Unique Pasta Dish

Elevate the plating: When presenting the pasta with dark chocolate marinara sauce, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use a large, flat plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish and allow the pasta to be the focal point.
Garnish with fresh basil: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with fresh basil. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of aromatic flavor to the overall presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a swirl of high-quality olive oil around the edge of the plate to add a touch of elegance and richness to the presentation. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a sophisticated visual element to the dish.
Use minimalistic plating: Embrace a minimalistic approach to plating by focusing on simplicity and allowing the vibrant colors of the pasta and sauce to shine through. Avoid overcrowding the plate with unnecessary elements to maintain a clean and sophisticated presentation.
Consider the contrast of textures: Pay attention to the contrast of textures in the presentation. The smooth, glossy appearance of the dark chocolate marinara sauce against the al dente pasta creates an enticing visual and sensory experience for the diners.

Essential Tools for Making Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to make sauces, doughs, and various other culinary preparations.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, whisking, or stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is a staple for preparing a wide range of dishes.

How to Store and Freeze Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce

Let the pasta and sauce cool completely before storing. This will prevent the pasta from getting soggy and the sauce from becoming watery.
Store the leftover pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, place the desired amount of pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Reheat the sauce in a separate microwave-safe dish or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
To freeze the pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To freeze the sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Leave some headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3-4 months.
To reheat frozen pasta, place it in a colander and run hot water over it until it's thawed and heated through. Alternatively, you can place the frozen pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat frozen sauce, place it in a saucepan and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.

How to Reheat Leftover Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce

Stovetop method: place the leftover pasta in a saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking and drying out. stir gently until the pasta is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. if the sauce seems too thick, add a little more water or tomato sauce to thin it out. once heated, transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Microwave method: place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through. if the sauce seems too thick, add a little more water or tomato sauce and stir well. let the pasta sit for a minute before serving, garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°f (175°c). place the leftover pasta in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly crisp the top, if desired. let the pasta sit for a minute before serving, garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Steaming method: bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket inside. place the leftover pasta in a heat-proof dish that fits inside the steamer basket. cover the pot and steam the pasta for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. if the sauce seems too thick, add a little more water or tomato sauce and stir well. transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Random Fact About Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce

Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

Is Making Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this pasta with dark chocolate marinara sauce recipe largely depends on the quality of ingredients used. While dark chocolate and fresh basil may be pricier, the overall cost is reasonable. The dish offers a unique flavor profile, making it a delightful addition to any menu. On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate it a solid 8 for taste and creativity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an affordable yet gourmet option.

Is Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?

The pasta with dark chocolate marinara sauce recipe is a unique and intriguing combination of flavors. While it does contain some healthy ingredients like fresh garlic, tomatoes, and basil, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it a more well-rounded and nutritious meal.

On the positive side, the recipe incorporates:

Whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients
Fresh garlic, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
Tomatoes, rich in lycopene and vitamin C
Fresh basil, offering a good source of vitamin K and antioxidants

However, the recipe could be enhanced by:

Increasing the amount of vegetables, such as sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
Reducing the amount of pasta and increasing the proportion of vegetables to create a more balanced meal
Opting for a higher percentage of dark chocolate (70% or above) to minimize added sugars and maximize the potential health benefits of cocoa

To further elevate the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:

Incorporate a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it a more complete meal
Experiment with alternative pasta options, like chickpea or lentil-based pasta, for added protein and fiber
Drizzle with a touch of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving to provide healthy monounsaturated fats and enhance the flavor
Sprinkle with a modest amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a boost of calcium and umami taste

Editor's Thoughts on This Unconventional Pasta Recipe

This pasta with dark chocolate marinara sauce recipe is a unique and innovative twist on a classic dish. The combination of rich dark chocolate with the savory marinara sauce creates a complex and indulgent flavor profile that is sure to impress. The addition of fresh basil and red pepper flakes adds a refreshing and spicy kick to the dish. The optional garnishes of fresh basil and parmesan cheese provide a beautiful finishing touch. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and unexpected culinary experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Enhance Your Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Savory garlic breadsticks with a sprinkle of parmesan and herbs, served warm and crispy.

Grilled Vegetables: A colorful medley of grilled vegetables, lightly seasoned and drizzled with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.

Tiramisu: Indulgent layers of mascarpone cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, dusted with cocoa powder for a decadent dessert.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce

Spicy Thai Coconut Soup: This flavorful soup combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the heat of Thai spices, and is filled with tender chicken and fresh vegetables.

Mango BBQ Chicken Skewers: These juicy chicken skewers are marinated in a sweet and tangy mango BBQ sauce, then grilled to perfection for a delicious summer meal.

Raspberry Chocolate Tart: Indulge in this decadent dessert featuring a buttery crust, rich chocolate filling, and fresh raspberries for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, then baked to perfection. They make for a delicious and elegant appetizer that will impress your guests.

Bruschetta: This classic Italian appetizer features toasted bread topped with a mixture of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to whet your appetite.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with a luscious strawberry compote and fresh sliced strawberries for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce Recipe:

This recipe offers a unique twist on a classic marinara sauce by incorporating dark chocolate for a rich and complex flavor profile. The combination of tomatoes and dark chocolate creates a harmonious balance of sweet and savory notes, elevating the dish to a new level of culinary delight. The addition of fresh basil and a hint of red pepper flakes adds a refreshing and subtle kick. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a memorable dining experience that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Want to share your experience making this unique pasta dish or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know your thoughts on this Pasta with Dark Chocolate Marinara Sauce recipe!

FAQ:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the marinara sauce?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the marinara sauce. However, keep in mind that milk chocolate has a sweeter flavor, so you may need to adjust the amount used to balance the sweetness with the savory flavors of the sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for the marinara sauce. Just make sure to blanch and peel the fresh tomatoes before using them in the recipe.

How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat or any meat-based ingredients from the recipe. To make it vegan, ensure that the dark chocolate and pasta are free from any animal-derived ingredients, and use a vegan-friendly pasta.

Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the marinara sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

You can use a variety of pasta shapes with this sauce, but I recommend using spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. These shapes hold the sauce well and allow for a delightful eating experience.