Golden Garlic Spaghetti with Herbed Breadcrumbs
Experience the authentic flavors of Italy with this elevated take on a classic Spaghetti Aglio Olio. This dish features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a luscious blend of aromatic garlic and high-quality extra virgin olive oil, topped with crunchy, herbed breadcrumbs for an added texture and flavor boost. Fresh Italian parsley brightens the dish, while a hint of heat from crushed chilies brings depth. Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti
1 lb (Uncooked)
Breadcrumbs
4 ounces (Plain, for toasting)
Italian parsley
1 bunch (Finely chopped)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (For cooking)
Garlic cloves
3 (Diced)
Dried chilies
3 (Crushed (optional))
Salt
to season (To taste)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2
2. Add the spaghetti and cook for about 8 minutes, or until just before the al dente stage. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
3. Reserve a few ladles of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
4
4. In a dry saucepan over medium heat, add the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. Toast the mixture, stirring frequently until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Set aside.
5
5. In a separate pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced garlic and crushed chilies, if using. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, but be careful not to burn it as that will impart a bitter flavor.
6
6. Add the drained spaghetti into the pan with the garlic and oil. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly.
7
7. To keep the dish moist, gradually add a little reserved pasta water while tossing the spaghetti. Continue to cook for another minute or until the pasta reaches your desired level of doneness.
8
8. Finally, mix in the toasted breadcrumbs and parsley, ensuring an even distribution throughout the pasta.
9
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Garlic Spaghetti?
It is an elevated version of the classic Italian Spaghetti Aglio Olio, featuring a luscious blend of garlic, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and herbed breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the primary pasta used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked spaghetti.
How long should I cook the spaghetti?
Cook the spaghetti for approximately 8 minutes, or until it is just before the al dente stage.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is added back to the dish while tossing to help keep the pasta moist and emulsify the oil sauce.
How do I prepare the herbed breadcrumbs?
Toast 4 ounces of plain breadcrumbs with finely chopped Italian parsley in a dry saucepan until golden brown and fragrant.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1/2 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 diced garlic cloves for this recipe.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 optional crushed dried chilies for a hint of heat and depth.
How do I prevent the garlic from becoming bitter?
Cook the garlic gently over medium heat for only 2-3 minutes until lightly golden; do not burn it.
What kind of parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for one bunch of fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped.
When do I add the breadcrumbs to the pasta?
The toasted breadcrumbs and parsley mixture should be mixed in at the final step before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it contains no meat products.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses olive oil instead of butter and contains no animal products.
How do I ensure the pasta is evenly coated?
Toss the drained spaghetti well in the pan with the garlic and oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
Can I use pre-toasted breadcrumbs?
You can, but the recipe recommends toasting plain breadcrumbs with fresh parsley for maximum fragrance and texture.
What should the texture of the breadcrumbs be?
The breadcrumbs should be crunchy and golden brown.
How much salt is required?
Salt is used to season the boiling water and the final dish to taste.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
While spaghetti is traditional for this dish, other long pasta like linguine would also work well.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as simple yet sophisticated, making it perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
How do I garnish the dish?
Serve the pasta immediately and garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
What is the cooking time for the garlic?
The diced garlic should be cooked gently for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Should I use a dry pan for the breadcrumbs?
Yes, toast the breadcrumbs and parsley in a dry saucepan over medium heat without adding oil.
Can I substitute dried parsley for fresh?
Fresh Italian parsley is recommended for its ability to brighten the dish, but dried can be used if fresh is unavailable.
What does 'al dente' mean for this recipe?
It refers to pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite; this recipe suggests cooking slightly less than al dente initially.
How much oil is in each serving?
With 1/2 cup of oil across 4 servings, each serving contains approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I add Parmesan cheese to this?
While not in the ingredient list, grated Parmesan is a common addition to Italian pasta dishes like this.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Spaghetti, Italian Cuisine, and Quick Meals.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its satisfying textures and flavors.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of dried?
Yes, fresh chilies can be substituted, though dried chilies are specified for their concentrated heat.