Easy Weeknight Dinners: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
User Reviews
5
Easy Weeknight Dinners: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Description
Easy Weeknight Dinners: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio combines spaghetti noodles with a sauce made from sliced garlic and red pepper flakes cooked in olive oil, creating a fragrant base. Wilted Lacinato kale adds a subtle bitterness and texture contrast. The addition of fresh lemon juice and zest introduces a bright acidity that lifts the flavors, while parsley provides a fresh herbal finish. The reserved pasta cooking water forms a light sauce that clings to the noodles and greens for a cohesive bite.
The preparation involves cooking the pasta until al dente, sautéing garlic and kale gently to preserve their qualities, and finishing by tossing everything with lemon and parsley. This technique keeps the kale vibrant and the garlic tender but lightly browned. Parmesan or vegan alternatives can be sprinkled on top to enhance umami. It’s a straightforward yet satisfying meal suited for weeknight dinners with fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- ½ to 1 cup pasta water
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic thinly sliced, cloves
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 Lacinato kale stemmed and chopped, large bunch
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup parsley chopped
- Parmesan Cheese for serving, or Vegan Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, in a pot of salted boiling water, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is lightly browned around the edges. Add the kale, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook, tossing with tongs, until the kale is wilted, up to 1 minute.
- Add the spaghetti and toss to combine. Add ½ cup pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and toss. If the pasta is seeming too dry, add the remaining ½ cup pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve with Parmesan or vegan Parmesan.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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