Pasta al Ajillo

Pasta al Ajillo is a vibrant Spanish dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, complemented by fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes. This healthy recipe is simple yet flavorful, perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat spaghetti - 160 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 4 tablespoons
• Garlic cloves - 4, minced
• Red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon
• Parmesan cheese (optional) - 20 grams, grated

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the garlic oil mixture.
7. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
8. Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Whole wheat pasta provides more fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta, promoting digestive health.
• Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, supporting heart health.

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