Introducing a Family Favorite from Stanley Tucci
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dish to whip up on a Friday night, look no further than pasta with garlic and oil cooked by Stanley Tucci. This classic recipe, often created by fathers after a week of home-cooked meals, is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting evening meal. Let’s dive into the preparation of this timeless Italian favorite that’s sure to satisfy the appetite of your family.
1. Preparing the Pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot. It’s important to add a generous amount of salt to the water; this adds essential flavor to the pasta itself. For a family-sized portion, use a little more than one pound of pasta, as a standard one-pound serving is typically designed for four average eaters. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and give it a stir to prevent it from sticking. To ensure it remains separated, a splash of olive oil can be added to the pot.
2. Sautéing the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, it’s time to focus on the sauce, which is incredibly simple yet flavorful. Take fresh cloves of garlic and slice them thinly. In a large pan, pour in some high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The generous amount will serve as the base for your sauce. Once the oil is heated to a medium temperature (but not too hot to avoid burning), add the sliced garlic. Sauté it lightly, keeping a keen eye on it to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish.
3. Adding Heat and Pasta Water
To add a touch of heat, consider incorporating pepperoncino, which will lend a slight spice to the oil and garlic mixture. Be mindful of the quantity; adjust it to your family’s taste preference. As the garlic begins to soften and infuse its flavor into the oil, it’s time to prepare to incorporate the pasta. Reserve some of the starchy pasta water, which will help bind the sauce and pasta together. After straining the pasta, drizzle a bit of olive oil over it to ensure it doesn’t clump together.
4. Combining the Dish
Now, with your pasta boiled and your garlic oil ready, it’s time to mingle the two. Add a few splashes of the collected pasta water to the garlic oil and toss it all together with the pasta in a large bowl. The goal is to create a cohesive dish where every strand of pasta is coated in the garlicky goodness. Avoid adding cheese, as this dish shines with its clean flavors, accentuated by the addition of paprika for a hint of sweetness and color.
5. The Final Touch
For a finishing touch, just like Stanley Tucci, you might want to sprinkle some sweet paprika over the top. If you enjoy fresh herbs, a few basil leaves or chopped parsley can elevate the presentation even more. However, remember that simplicity remains key in this classic dish. Once everything is plated, it’s time to gather the family and indulge in this easy yet satisfying pasta dish.
Enjoy your meal and the conversation that comes along with it!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (adjust to family size)
- Fresh garlic (4-6 cloves, sliced thinly)
- Extra virgin olive oil (generous amount)
- Pepperoncino (to taste)
- Salt (for boiling water)
- Paprika (sweet, for garnish)
- Basil leaves or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Boil salted water in a large pot and add pasta; stir to prevent sticking.
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and add sliced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add pepperoncino to the garlic oil for desired heat.
- Reserve some pasta water, then strain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil.
- Toss pasta with garlic oil and pasta water until well combined.
- Garnish with sweet paprika and herbs if desired before serving.
