Pasta alla Carrettiera – A Classic Italian Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish, look no further than Pasta alla Carrettiera. This traditional Italian recipe, hailing from the Lazio region, combines the bold flavors of garlic, fresh chili peppers, and a rich extra virgin olive oil base. It’s the perfect comfort food with a little spicy kick, ideal for busy weeknights or a quick dinner with friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 500g |
| Pecorino cheese | 200g |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Coarse sea salt | to taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the pasta water:
Begin by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of coarse sea salt to the water once it starts to boil. This will help enhance the flavor of the pasta as it cooks. -
Chop the ingredients:
While waiting for the water to boil, take your fresh parsley and chop it finely. Set it aside for later. Peel and finely chop the garlic clove, ensuring that you remove the inner green germ to avoid any bitterness. Slice the fresh chili pepper into small rings, keeping the seeds for extra heat if desired. -
Make the oil and garlic base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped garlic, chili pepper, and a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. This mixture will be the base for your pasta sauce. Use a fork to gently mix the ingredients together, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse the oil. -
Cook the spaghetti:
Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but make sure to keep it al dente for the best texture. Once the spaghetti is ready, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to help later in the recipe. -
Combine pasta and sauce:
Drain the pasta, being careful not to overcook it. Then, immediately transfer the spaghetti into the mixing bowl with the garlic, chili, and olive oil mixture. Toss the pasta vigorously, ensuring every strand is coated in the aromatic oil. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a smoother sauce. -
Add the finishing touches:
Once the pasta is well-coated, sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the top and mix it in. The fresh parsley will add a burst of color and freshness that balances the heat from the chili. -
Serve and enjoy:
Serve the Pasta alla Carrettiera hot, garnished with freshly grated Pecorino cheese. The cheese will melt into the pasta, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, simple flavors of this classic Italian dish.
This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the combination of a few simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Pasta alla Carrettiera offers the perfect balance of heat from the chili, the warmth of garlic, and the richness of Pecorino. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it for guests, it’s sure to impress with its flavors and simplicity.
Enjoy the authentic taste of Italy with every bite!
