In a heartfelt cooking session, a chef reflects on memories shared with a beloved partner, Antonio, who had a passion for delicious home-cooked meals. This particular dish, lemon tagliatelle, holds a special significance as it hails from their shared roots along the Amalfi Coast of Italy.
As the chef prepares the pasta, they take a moment to reminisce about the 35 years of love and adventures spent together. Cooking in the very same spot brings a torrent of emotions, and the chef feels Antonio’s presence urging them to get cooking, reminiscent of past shared meals.
This recipe is delightfully simple and quick to whip up, making it accessible for home cooks of any skill level. Let’s break down what it takes to create this creamy, lemony pasta dish.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To get started, you will need the following:
– Olive oil
– ½ large garlic clove
– ¼ of a chili (optional for spice)
– Fresh parsley
– Pasta of your choice
– Butter
– Juice and zest of 1 lemon
– Grated parmesan or pecorino cheese
– Salt
2. Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the pasta until it is al dente. The chef highlights the importance of reserving some pasta water, which will be added later for flavor and creaminess.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a separate pan, heat a generous splash of olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced garlic and chili, allowing them to ‘sweat’—a technique that infuses the oil with flavor without burning the ingredients. Stir occasionally to ensure the garlic doesn’t turn dark, which can add a bitter taste to the dish.
4. Combine Ingredients
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the cooked pasta directly into the pan. Toss it with the garlic and oil mixture, then introduce a knob of butter to create a velvety texture. Add the reserved pasta water gradually while stirring to achieve the desired creaminess.
5. Finishing Touches
Squeeze the juice of a lemon into the mix, followed by a sprinkle of grated parmesan or pecorino cheese and chopped parsley for freshness. Continue to stir, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Plate the lemon tagliatelle, garnishing with additional lemon zest and cheese. The chef’s excitement is palpable as they taste the dish, sharing that it is a delightful reminder of cherished memories. This simple yet delicious recipe captures the essence of love, nostalgia, and Italian culinary tradition
This recipe serves not just as a meal, but as a heartwarming tribute to Antonio. It underscores the idea that cooking is a powerful act of love, connecting generations and preserving memories over shared feasts.
Ingredients:
– Olive oil
– ½ garlic clove (large)
– ¼ chili (optional)
– Fresh parsley
– Pasta
– Butter
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Grated cheese (parmesan or pecorino)
– Salt
Instructions:
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving some pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, adding garlic and chili to sweat.
3. Add cooked pasta into the pan, mixing with oils.
4. Stir in butter and a bit of pasta water for creaminess.
5. Incorporate lemon juice, parsley, and cheese.
6. Serve garnished with lemon zest and additional cheese.
Bon Appétit!
