Spaghetti con Polpo

Spaghetti con Polpo is a delightful Italian seafood dish featuring tender octopus paired with al dente spaghetti, all enveloped in a light, flavorful tomato sauce. This healthy meal is not only satisfying but also rich in nutrients, making it a perfect choice for seafood lovers.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 160 grams
• Octopus (cleaned) - 300 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley (chopped) - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Red pepper flakes - a pinch (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the cleaned octopus to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the pan with the octopus. Cook for another 10-12 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
5. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the reserved pasta water gradually to create a light sauce.
6. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the sauce.
7. Remove from heat, then stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and low in calories, making it a great dish for muscle repair and weight management.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.

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