Spicy and Aromatic Fresh Pasta Aglio e Olio
Beginner-Friendly Recipe for Flavorful Fresh Pasta Aglio e Olio
Craving something zesty for dinner tonight? This Aglio e Olio pasta, infused with the pungent kick of garlic and spicy chili peppers, is the perfect answer! We highly recommend using the pasta water when cooking fresh pasta; it creates a wonderfully moist and delicious sauce. Enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish right in your own home!
Ingredients- 1 serving fresh pasta (approx. 100g)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 6-7 dried red chili peppers (peperoncino)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Parsley flakes or fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for boiling pasta)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1 serving of fresh pasta. Fresh pasta offers a wonderfully tender texture compared to dried pasta.
Step 2
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/2 Tbsp salt and 1 Tbsp olive oil to the water. Once boiling, carefully add the fresh pasta and cook for about 2 minutes, or 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend, as fresh pasta cooks very quickly. Be watchful!
Step 3
Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander. Crucially, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This pasta water is your secret ingredient for creating a luscious sauce and enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 4
Heat 1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, 7 dried chili peppers (feel free to add more if you like it spicier), and the 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced. Sauté over medium-high heat until the garlic is golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Reduce the heat slightly once the garlic starts to turn golden brown.
Step 5
Once the garlic is fragrant and softened, add the drained fresh pasta to the pan. Toss quickly and thoroughly with the garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. This step infuses the pasta with the aromatic flavors.
Step 6
Now, add the reserved 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water to the pan. This water will help emulsify the sauce and create a beautiful, glossy coating on the pasta.
Step 7
Stir the pasta continuously while the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles, for about 1-2 minutes. The goal is a moist, luscious consistency, not a dry one. Season with a pinch of black pepper at this stage, if desired.
Step 8
Transfer the finished pasta to a serving plate. Generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if using. If Parmesan is unavailable, adjust seasoning with salt. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley flakes or fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. If you don’t have parsley, fresh rosemary can also add a wonderful aromatic touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
