Garlic holds a prime position in culinary preparation. Whether it’s the flavor of whole-boiled garlic cloves or the raw variety that you prefer, the application of garlic is incredibly versatile. Additionally, pasta, a delightful and simple-to-prepare Italian delicacy, also shares a great repute. There is a multitude of methods to prepare pasta, one of the crowning techniques includes boiling it in conjunction with garlic.
Garlic pasta is a lip-smacking main course that will delight your taste buds. The best part is that you can prepare this simple recipe without much effort. This delicious meal can be made within minutes using simple ingredients. It is delicious and packed with flavor, which comes in handy anytime.
Is Boiling Pasta With Garlic Healthy?
This homemade pasta dish is healthier than any expensive last-minute takeaway. From its ingredients, you can get:
Pasta
Long pasta combined with garlic and olive oil is perfection. You will love twirling your fork around the spaghetti. If possible, go for whole-grain pasta to get more natural fiber and micronutrients than white pasta.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most aromatic herbs in the kitchen. A clove or 2 of garlic will make the flavor of your food a lot richer and more complex. Plus, garlic boasts a long list of health benefits. Medical research links garlic to health benefits like;
- Boosts immunity
- Lowers blood pressure
- Aids in the prevention of cancer
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- It prevents Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Improves athletic function
Olive Oil
An excellent extra virgin olive oil smells and tastes fresh, clean, and savory. Its flavor ranges from floral and herbal to fruity or even subtle, but not too overpowering. Besides the rich flavor of extra virgin olive oil, this oil has several health benefits. It may protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and inflammation, among other conditions. Above all, olive oil will coat your pasta beautifully.
How to Boil Garlic With Pasta
Boiling garlic with pasta doesn’t get any easier than this. With just two essential ingredients, this delicious combo should be ready in less than 15 minutes, including the time you take to cook the pasta.
Ingredients
- Whole grain pasta
- Garlic cloves
- Salt to taste according to the package instructions
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh or dried chili flakes (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Parsley (optional)
While this dish only has a few essential ingredients, their quality will make a difference.
Directions
Step 1: Boil the water
Bring a large, heavy-bottomed pot of water to a boil. Add one tablespoon of salt. Always add salt to the pasta water as you are cooking so that the pasta can absorb the salt to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Add the pasta and let it cook
Cook pasta on low heat, making sure to stir often until it becomes tender. Make sure not to overcook it. Once content with the texture, drain the spaghetti and reserve a quarter cup of the pasta water.
Step 3: Add the fresh garlic
Wash the whole garlic cloves in clean water and then cut or mince them. Toss the minced or sliced garlic clove in the pasta as it continues cooking. If the mix seems to dry up, add the pasta water and let the food cook. Cooking garlic tames its fiery flavor while keeping a lot of its excellent taste in your dish. Boil garlic cloves for a few minutes
Step 4: Add olive oil
Keep tossing the mixture and add in more pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Garnish the served pasta dish with parsley or basil leaves and the best quality parmesan cheese.
Serving Ideas
While boiled pasta with garlic on its own is quite good, you can pair it with:
Protein:
Serve this garlic pasta with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood. Alternatively, you can make a meal by topping the pasta with shredded or grilled chicken or adding shrimp.
Salads
Fresh salads and garlic pasta are a match made in heaven. Add some asparagus, spinach, or homemade Caesar salad.
Veggies
Roasted or grilled vegetables work well with garlic pasta. Try this dish with grilled portobello mushrooms or even roasted cauliflower. this also goes well with mashed potatoes. You can also add raw garlic on top of the boiled garlic to enjoy all-important garlic enzymes, especially the allicin compound.
Storage
You can store leftover garlic pasta in the fridge in sealed containers for up to 3 days.
Tips for Making the Best Pasta With Garlic
- It is vital to cook your pasta al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta.
- Make sure to use good quality extra virgin olive oil in this recipe. This oil is essential for flavor.
- Always make sure to salt your water. Salt flavors the entire dish.
- Rinse your pasta in cold water to ensure they do not stick together
This is tasty, inexpensive, and one of the most versatile and crowd-friendly meals you can make for your last-minute parties. It is also great when you get home after a hard day and do not feel like cooking.
Sources:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/garlic-butter-pasta-4843708
https://foodsguy.com/boiled-garlic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boiled-garlic