Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil

Aglio E Olio

 

Oh my goodness, growing up Italian meant starch was one of the major food groups.  We never heard of "gluten-free"...and we definitely didn't know anything about it in my parents' house.  Pasta and bread made its' way to about every dinner in one form or another, at least five times a week. It also was economical and could feed a family of five for very little cost. Add veggies from our garden and we always had a good meal.

 

This dish is so quick and extremely easy to make, but even more important than that...it doesn't contain any meat!   This was the perfect dinner for a Friday night, when, growing up as an Italian Catholic.  For, you see, we were to fast from eating meat of any kind on Fridays or Christmas Eve.  Even though, we no longer do that, this still remains one of our favorite pasta meals!

If you'd like to use it as a side dish with meat or fish, it's great!   You can even add cooked chicken or shrimp.  This is so versatile, I know you're going to enjoy it whichever way you decide to make it.

 

Ingredients:

1 lb. Angel Hair pasta (Regular spaghetti is fine too, we just like the angel hair best.)

4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced (More, if you like garlic like we do!)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. butter

pinch of red pepper flakes

2 Tbsp. fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

Grated Romano or Parmigiano cheese

1/4 cup reserved pasta water (when you add the pasta to the garlic)

 

Fill a large pot with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat; salt generously.  Add pasta and cook, until al dente (tender, but not mushy).  Stir occasionally during this process, which takes about 4-5 minutes for the Angel Hair.  A couple of minutes longer for regular spaghetti.

While the pasta is cooking, combine the garlic, olive oil, butter, 1 tsp. salt and red pepper (if desired) in a large skillet and warm over low heat.  Stir the garlic as not to burn, just until it turns golden brown, just a few minutes.

 

Drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink, reserving about a 1/4 cup of the cooking water.

 

Add the pasta and the reserved water to the garlic mixture, to help keep moist without watering down the flavor. Mix well.  Add the parsley and lemon juice.  Adjust seasoning, to taste.

 

Transfer to a large serving bowl or divide amongst 4 to 6 dishes.  Top with grated cheese and serve with warm Italian bread. 

 

So easy and so delicious!


Be encouraged!

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."  - 1 John 4:18