Elegant Penne Aglio e Olio: A Simple Yet Sophisticated Homemade Pasta
Elegant Penne Aglio e Olio: A Simple Yet Sophisticated Homemade Pasta
The Perfect Penne Aglio e Olio Pasta Recipe for Beginners
Introducing Penne Aglio e Olio pasta, perfect for special occasions or just to add a touch of elegance to your everyday meal. The chewy texture of the penne pasta combined with the delicate flavors of garlic and olive oil is exquisite. Its light and savory taste makes it incredibly easy to enjoy, and you’ll find yourself finishing the plate in no time. Create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish right in your own home!
Key Ingredients- Penne pasta, 200g (approx. 2 servings)
- Fresh shrimp, 8 pieces
- Garlic, 8-9 cloves (adjust to taste)
- High-quality olive oil, 8 tablespoons (generous amount)
- Dried red chili peppers (peperoncino), 4 pieces (adjust for spice level)
- Pasta water, 2 ladles (water from cooking the pasta)
- Salt, 1/5 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1/5 tablespoon of salt to the water. This step seasons the pasta from the inside out, adding a subtle savory depth.
Step 2
Wash the garlic cloves, peel them, and slice them thinly into slivers. This preparation helps to release the maximum garlic flavor into the oil.
Step 3
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by soaking in cold water or using your microwave’s defrost function until completely thawed. After thawing, pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. This prevents oil splattering while cooking and ensures they cook nicely.
Step 4
Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the penne pasta. Cook for 10 minutes, which is about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Cooking ‘al dente’ (slightly firm to the bite) is ideal for this dish.
Step 5
Before draining the perfectly cooked penne, reserve about 2 ladles of the starchy pasta water. This pasta water is crucial for creating a silky sauce, adjusting the consistency, and enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 6
Heat a wide skillet over medium-low heat and add a generous 8 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently, being careful not to burn it, until the garlic’s aroma infuses the oil. Once the garlic starts to turn golden brown, reduce the heat slightly.
Step 7
When the garlic fragrance is strong, add the prepared shrimp and the crushed dried chili peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry together. You can adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your preference for spice. Add more if you enjoy a bit of heat!
Step 8
Continue to sauté until the shrimp turn from opaque to a vibrant pink and are lightly browned. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
Step 9
Add the cooked penne pasta and the reserved 2 ladles of pasta water to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and toss everything together quickly to emulsify the sauce.
Step 10
Finally, season with 1/5 tablespoon of salt to taste. The dish is ready when the pasta water has reduced slightly, creating a luscious sauce consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more pasta water.
Step 11
Serve the finished Penne Aglio e Olio pasta beautifully plated. Enjoy a delightful Italian meal made easily at home!
