Salted Caramel Pasta Pretzel Crunch (Print Version)

Sweet pasta with salted caramel sauce, topped with buttery pretzel crunch for playful, decadent flavor.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 7 ounces tagliatelle or fettuccine (fresh or dried, preferably egg pasta)

→ Salted Caramel Sauce

02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup water
04 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Pretzel Crunch Topping

08 - 2 ounces mini salted pretzels, coarsely crushed
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

→ Garnish (Optional)

11 - Flaky sea salt
12 - Extra crushed pretzels
13 - Whipped cream

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook tagliatelle or fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the crushed pretzels and brown sugar. Stir and toast for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is golden and aromatic. Spread onto a plate to cool and crisp.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, swirling the pan gently (do not stir) until the mixture achieves a deep amber hue, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Carefully whisk in the heavy cream, butter, and sea salt; the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir until smooth, then incorporate the vanilla extract.
04 - Add the drained pasta to the saucepan containing the salted caramel sauce. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly. If a silkier sauce is desired, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
05 - Divide the caramel-coated pasta among individual serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with the prepared pretzel crunch. For an enhanced finish, garnish with flaky sea salt, additional crushed pretzels, or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes
  • Uses simple pantry staples transformed in unexpected ways
  • Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
  • Creates a showstopping dessert that guests will talk about
02 -
  • Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties with an unexpected twist
  • Can be prepared in advance up to the final assembly stage
  • Works beautifully as both a dessert or a sweet brunch option
  • The contrast between the smooth caramel pasta and crunchy pretzel topping creates an addictive textural experience
03 -
  • Watch the caramel carefully as it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. The ideal color is a deep amber, similar to a copper penny.
  • For the pretzel topping, crush the pretzels by hand rather than in a food processor for irregular pieces that create better texture.
  • Always make the pretzel topping just before serving to maintain maximum crunch. The contrast between soft pasta and crunchy topping is what makes this dessert magical.

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