Viral Dirty Martini Pasta

Ingredients

Kosher salt

1 lb. spaghetti

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup torn pitted Castelvetrano or green olives, plus 1/3 c. olive brine

4 cloves garlic, sliced

Zest of 1 lemon

1/3 cup gin or vodka

2/3 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Directions

Step 1: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add olives, garlic, and lemon zest and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Add gin and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half, about 4 minutes.

Step 4: Add cream, olive brine, pasta, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Cook, tossing constantly and adding more pasta water as needed, until pasta is coated and sauce is emulsified, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and butter until butter is melted; season with salt. Top with more Parmesan before serving.

Based on a few suggestions in the reviews, I included a splash of vermouth, which added an extra bit of martini flavor. I also swapped out the Parmesan sprinkled on top for blue cheese crumbles. Oh my goodness…blue cheese on pasta needs to more common. The tangy bite it provides is indescribable. Overall, the sauce is very alfredo-ish, but with a kick. This will be made again, although not frequently, as it’s not very healthy.

Our dinner was a last minute gathering and included bagged salad, grilled chicken from the New York Butcher Shoppe, and crusty bread. Nothing fancy, but well received. The leftovers are gone, I’m sad to report. This is one Tik Tok trend worth trying!

Martini Spaghetti

I burned off all of these calories playing lots of tennis over the weekend. Tennis with these ladies is so fun it doesn’t even feel like exercise…until the next day.

Tennis Ladies

Today has been super rainy and oddly chilly, which is the perfect combination for embroidery and cards. I’m honored to add the logo to Thornblade’s swim team bags this season. Summer, we are ready for you!

Backpacks

Ceelo

I hope you and yours enjoyed the first few days of summer break as well. As always, I am forever grateful for our military families. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.