Luxuriously Creamy Olive & Garlic Pasta Delight
Dive into a bowl of Luxuriously Creamy Olive & Garlic Pasta Delight, a whisper of gourmet dining made accessible and fun. This recipe thrives on spontaneity, allowing you to adjust garlic, olives, and cream based on your cravings and pantry. Inspired by fond memories of watching 'The Frugal Gourmet,' this dish is now a family staple, perfectly encapsulating the joy of cooking without rigid measurements. The robust flavors of fresh garlic and briny green olives blend seamlessly with velvety light cream, creating a dish that's both comforting and elegantly simple. Served with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley, this pasta is an experience—one that's sure to impress without the fuss. Ideal for lunch or snack, this dish is a reminder that cooking can be both effortless and delicious. So grab your favorite pasta, unleash your creativity, and indulge in this culinary delight crafted with love.
N/A
Servings
425
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
to preference (Cooked al dente)
Green Olives
to preference (Chopped)
Fresh Garlic
several cloves (Sliced)
Olive Oil
a drizzle (Used for sautéing)
Light Cream or Half-and-Half
a splash (Added to sauce)
Parmesan Cheese
to taste (Freshly grated for topping)
Black Pepper
to taste (Freshly cracked if possible)
Fresh Parsley
to taste (Chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2
Choose your favorite pasta (spaghetti, linguini, or any shape you love) and cook it al dente according to package instructions. Keep it warm once cooked.
3
While your pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Grab a jar of green olives—choose your favorite variety for added texture and flavor. Rinse them if needed, then chop them roughly, leaving a bit of chunkiness for that delightful bite.
4
Next, take plenty of fresh garlic cloves. The more, the better! Use a jar opener or the flat of a knife to crush them slightly, making it easier to peel off the skins. Slice each clove into thick pieces for robust flavor.
5
In a hot non-stick skillet, pour in a generous drizzle of olive oil. Add the fresh garlic and chopped olives to the pan. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from browning. Cook until the garlic turns fragrant and the olives soften slightly.
6
Pour in a splash of light cream (or half-and-half), enough to create a silky sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Allow it to reduce for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens beautifully.
7
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, pour it over the cooked pasta in a large serving bowl. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
8
Finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a hearty pinch of black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley (or dried if that’s what you have).
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the rich flavors and delightful aromas. Remember to appreciate the effort and creativity that went into making this dish!
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
50
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Luxuriously Creamy Olive & Garlic Pasta Delight.
Is this recipe difficult to prepare?
No, it is designed to be effortless and simple to make without rigid measurements.
What inspired the creation of this dish?
The dish was inspired by memories of watching 'The Frugal Gourmet' and is now a family staple.
What are the primary flavor elements?
The primary flavors come from the combination of robust fresh garlic and briny green olives.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 5-7 minutes until it thickens beautifully.
What type of pasta is recommended?
You can use spaghetti, linguini, or any pasta shape you love.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked al dente in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Garlic should be crushed slightly to peel easily and then sliced into thick pieces for robust flavor.
Which type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for your favorite variety of green olives, rinsed if needed.
How should I chop the olives?
Olives should be chopped roughly to maintain a bit of chunkiness for a delightful bite.
Can I use half-and-half instead of light cream?
Yes, you can use either light cream or half-and-half to create the silky sauce.
Why should I stir the garlic frequently?
Frequent stirring prevents the garlic from browning, which ensures the sauce remains sweet and fragrant.
What cheese is suggested for topping?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for a savory finish.
Is fresh parsley mandatory for this recipe?
No, you can use dried parsley if fresh is not available.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 425 calories in a serving.
Is this a vegetarian meal?
Yes, the recipe is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this pasta?
The dish contains 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It should be served immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce.
Do I need to rinse the olives?
You should rinse the olives if you want to reduce their saltiness before chopping them.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food staple.
What oil should I use for sautéing?
A generous drizzle of olive oil is used to sauté the fresh garlic and chopped olives.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe suggests using several cloves; the more garlic you add, the better the flavor.
What kind of pan should I use for the sauce?
A hot non-stick skillet is recommended for cooking the garlic, olives, and cream.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it is ideal for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack.
Should the sauce be reduced while cooking?
Yes, allow the cream mixture to simmer and reduce to achieve a beautiful, thick consistency.
How do I make peeling garlic easier?
Crush the cloves slightly with the flat of a knife or a jar opener to loosen the skins.
Does this recipe require rigid measurements?
No, this recipe thrives on spontaneity and allows you to adjust ingredients based on your cravings.
What herbs are used for garnish?
The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley.