Spaghettini with Garlic and Lemon

Spaghettini with Garlic and Lemon Recipe - Vegan Italian Food

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Spaghettini with Garlic and Lemon is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes creates a zesty and refreshing flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that often feature simple and fresh ingredients. The addition of lemon and red pepper flakes adds a unique and vibrant flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for those looking for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of spaghettini or capellini
4 large cloves of garlic, minced
0.5 to 0.75 tsp of dried hot red pepper flakes
0.5 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
finely grated zest from 2 lemons
3 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
1.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of black pepper
0.5 cup of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

How to prepare

Cook the pasta in a 6 qt (5.68-liter) pot of boiling salted water until it is al dente.
Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta in a colander.
While the pasta is boiling, cook the garlic and red pepper flakes (to taste) in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until the garlic is golden, which should take about 5 minutes.
Stir in the zest, then the juice, salt, pepper, and 0.5 cup of the reserved cooking water, and bring it to a simmer.
Toss the pasta in the sauce with parsley, and add more cooking water if the pasta seems dry.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Add cherry tomatoes or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente to ensure the perfect texture.

- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to help create a silky and smooth sauce.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a refreshing and satisfying dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the garlic slowly to avoid burning and bitterness.

- Toss the pasta in the sauce just before serving to ensure it is well coated and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use spaghetti or linguine if spaghettini is not available.

- Substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and toss it with the pasta just before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with additional lemon zest and parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a large pasta bowl or individual plates for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of garlic bread or bruschetta would also complement the flavors of the pasta.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spaghettini with Garlic and Lemon contains approximately 400 calories, making it a relatively light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

The spaghettini in this recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production and overall health. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil used in this recipe is a healthy source of fats, including monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health. Each serving contains approximately 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

While this dish is primarily carbohydrate and fat-based, the pasta does provide a small amount of protein. Each serving contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The garlic and parsley in this recipe provide a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron. These nutrients are important for immune function, blood clotting, and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and may contain allergens such as garlic and parsley. Be sure to check for any specific allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Spaghettini with Garlic and Lemon is a balanced and nutritious meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spaghettini with Garlic and Lemon is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With its zesty and refreshing flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a simple yet elegant dish - Spaghettini with Garlic and Lemon. The combination of flavors seemed perfect to me, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I first came across this recipe many years ago, when I was just a young girl. I was visiting my aunt in Italy, and she invited me to help her prepare dinner one evening. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the aroma of garlic and lemon wafting through the air. It was intoxicating.

My aunt showed me how to cook the spaghettini until it was al dente, and then she taught me how to make the simple yet delicious sauce. She sautéed garlic in olive oil until it was golden brown, and then added a splash of white wine and the juice of a fresh lemon. The sauce was light and refreshing, with a tangy kick from the lemon.

I watched in awe as my aunt tossed the cooked spaghettini in the garlic and lemon sauce, coating each strand with the flavorful mixture. She finished the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley. The result was a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated, with a perfect balance of flavors.

I couldn't wait to try the spaghettini with garlic and lemon, and when I finally took my first bite, I was hooked. The pasta was perfectly cooked, the sauce was bright and zesty, and the Parmesan added a creamy richness that brought everything together. It was a dish that I knew I had to learn how to make on my own.

After my visit to Italy, I returned home and set out to recreate the spaghettini with garlic and lemon. I experimented with different ratios of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan until I found the perfect balance of flavors. I shared the dish with my friends and family, and it quickly became a favorite among them.

Over the years, I have made the spaghettini with garlic and lemon countless times. It has become a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I turn to when I want something quick and delicious. Each time I make it, I am transported back to my aunt's kitchen in Italy, where I first fell in love with the dish.

I have since shared the recipe with many people, passing it on to friends and family who have all fallen in love with it just as I did. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the time I spent in Italy and the memories I made there.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of spaghettini with garlic and lemon, I am grateful for the experiences that have led me to this moment. The recipe may have come from my aunt in Italy, but it has become a part of me, a dish that I will continue to cherish and share for years to come.