Spicy Garlic and Parsley Pasta Sauce
This Spicy Garlic and Parsley Pasta Sauce is a vibrant, yet simple addition to any pasta dish. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, it swiftly brings the zest of Italian cuisine into your home. The rich flavor of extra virgin olive oil flows harmoniously with the aromatic garlic, while crushed red pepper adds a delightful kick. This sauce is ideal not only for a quick weeknight dinner but also works marvelously as a side dish for entertaining guests. When tossed with spaghetti and accompanied by a fresh salad, it creates a satisfying meal that's both comforting and exciting.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
pasta cooking water
1/4 cup (reserved from cooking pasta)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (none)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 cup (roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it starts to shimmer.
2
Add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté gently for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from browning and becoming bitter.
3
Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water and stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the roughly chopped fresh parsley. Stir to combine.
5
Toss the cooked pasta into the saucepan, ensuring that every strand is coated generously with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Garlic and Parsley Pasta Sauce?
It is a vibrant and simple Italian-inspired sauce made with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 main ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, pasta cooking water, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and fresh flat-leaf parsley.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, which should be minced before cooking.
Is this pasta sauce spicy?
Yes, the sauce includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to provide a delightful kick.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and aromatic qualities.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Why is pasta cooking water used in the sauce?
The reserved pasta water is added to the oil and spices to help emulsify the sauce and bring it to a gentle boil.
How do I prevent the garlic from becoming bitter?
Sauté the garlic gently for only about 30 seconds and stir constantly to prevent it from browning.
What kind of parsley should I buy?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is used for this recipe, providing the best flavor and texture.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe and is also vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
How long should I cook the pasta with the sauce?
Once the pasta is tossed in the sauce, cook it for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The parsley should be roughly chopped, measuring about 1 cup in total.
Can I use this as a side dish?
Yes, while it works as a main meal, it also functions marvelously as a side dish for entertaining.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 teaspoons of kosher salt.
What should I look for when heating the oil?
Heat the oil over medium heat until it starts to shimmer before adding the garlic.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Italian cuisine.
Can I add more parsley as a garnish?
Yes, you can serve the pasta immediately garnished with extra parsley if desired.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is designed as a quick weeknight dinner that comes together swiftly with fresh ingredients.
What pasta goes best with this sauce?
Spaghetti is a great choice, particularly when served with a fresh salad on the side.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is rich and aromatic due to the olive oil and garlic, with a spicy kick from the red pepper and freshness from the parsley.
How much pasta cooking water should be reserved?
You should reserve 1/4 cup of the water used to cook the pasta.
Do I need to boil the sauce?
Yes, after adding the water and spices, you should bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
When do I add the parsley?
Add the parsley after reducing the heat once the liquid mixture has reached a boil.
Should I stir the garlic while sautéing?
Yes, you should stir the garlic constantly to ensure it cooks evenly without browning.
What heat setting should I use for the oil?
The oil should be heated over a medium heat setting.
Is the garlic crushed or sliced?
The recipe specifically calls for the garlic cloves to be minced.
Can this sauce be used for entertaining guests?
Absolutely, its vibrant look and classic flavors make it a great choice for guests.
Does the sauce contain any cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients (oil and vegetables), the sauce is naturally cholesterol-free.
How do I ensure the pasta is well seasoned?
Toss the cooked pasta in the saucepan so that every strand is generously coated with the garlic and oil mixture.