Cavatelli Aglio e Olio is a traditional Italian dish that translates to “pasta with garlic and oil.” This simple yet flavorful recipe is a staple in Italian cuisine and is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

The dish consists of pasta cooked al dente, tossed with garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. It is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:.

1. 500g cavatelli pasta
2. 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
3. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4. 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to taste)
5. Salt, to taste
6. Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare Cavatelli Aglio e Olio:.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatelli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic turns golden brown and becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked cavatelli pasta to it. Toss the pasta well in the garlic-infused oil until it is evenly coated.
If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved cooking water to loosen it up. Season with salt to taste.
Transfer the Cavatelli Aglio e Olio to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

Cavatelli Aglio e Olio is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:.

1. Add Grated Cheese

If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the finished dish. The cheese adds a rich and salty flavor that complements the garlic and oil perfectly.

2. Add Vegetables

For a more wholesome meal, you can include some sautéed vegetables in the dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli florets make excellent additions.

Simply cook the vegetables of your choice in olive oil until tender-crisp and combine them with the pasta.

3. Add Protein

If you prefer a heartier dish, you can add protein to your Cavatelli Aglio e Olio. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked Italian sausage can be sliced and added to the pasta for a more substantial meal.

Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Cavatelli Aglio e Olio turns out perfectly:.

Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
For an added burst of flavor, infuse the olive oil with garlic in advance by gently heating the oil and garlic in a small saucepan over low heat for about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool before using it in the recipe.
Reserve some of the cooking water to add to the pasta if it seems dry. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce.
Freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the flavors of the dish. Don’t skip it!

Now that you have the recipe for Cavatelli Aglio e Olio, give it a try and enjoy this classic Italian pasta dish!.