Peppino Spaghetti Recipe
Peppino Spaghetti Recipe
Table of Contents
Peppino Spaghetti Recipe
Peppino Spaghetti recipe is a delightful Italian pasta dish that combines fresh, simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal. This easy to make dish features a medley of ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, all coming together to create a perfect balance of heat, freshness, and creaminess. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something impressive for a special occasion, Peppino Spaghetti recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This recipe is designed for both beginners and seasoned chefs, making it accessible yet deliciously sophisticated.
Description:
Peppino Spaghetti recipe is a comforting yet vibrant Italian pasta dish that celebrates the flavors of Italy’s Mediterranean regions. The name “Peppino” comes from the Italian word “pepe,” which means pepper, referring to the spicy kick provided by red pepper flakes in this recipe. Despite its simplicity, the flavors in this dish shine through due to the quality of ingredients, allowing you to create a restaurant quality meal in your own kitchen.
The foundation of Peppino Spaghetti recipe starts with the pasta, ideally made from durum wheat semolina to achieve that perfect al dente texture. While the pasta is cooking, the sauce is prepared with garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and fresh basil, forming a fragrant and flavorful base. The addition of Parmesan cheese brings a savory richness that completes the dish.
The beauty of Peppino Spaghetti recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the level of spice to suit your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice or zest can provide a refreshing twist, while some may opt for a handful of sun dried tomatoes for an extra layer of depth. For protein, consider adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or even Italian sausage.
This dish is not just delicious but also relatively quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The ingredients are easy to find, and with a few simple steps, you can have a plate of Peppino Spaghetti recipe ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with friends and family, this recipe will impress every time.
The perfect pairing for Peppino Spaghetti would be a light, crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or even a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lime. Serve it alongside a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete Italian inspired meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Fresh, vibrant flavors
- Versatile; adjust the spice level to your preference
- A perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion meal
- Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. - Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and stir for another 30 seconds. - Toss the Pasta:
Once the pasta is drained, add it to the pan with the garlic and chili oil. Toss the pasta well to coat it evenly with the oil. If the mixture looks too dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. - Finish the Dish:
Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the pasta. Add the lemon zest and juice if using, and toss again to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. - Serve:
Plate the pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts (if desired), and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes:
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. For a spicier kick, increase the amount.
- Make it Protein Packed: To add protein to the dish, try adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or sausage. Simply sauté the protein in the same pan before adding the garlic and chili oil.
- Vegan Version: To make the dish vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese and substitute with a plant based alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Extra Flavor Twist: A drizzle of high quality balsamic vinegar or a handful of sun dried tomatoes can elevate the flavor even further.
Peppino Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340g spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Once the pasta is drained, add it to the pan with the garlic and chili oil. Toss the pasta well to coat it evenly with the oil. If the mixture looks too dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the pasta. Add the lemon zest and juice if using, and toss again to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Plate the pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts (if desired), and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. For a spicier kick, increase the amount.
- Make it Protein Packed: To add protein to the dish, try adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or sausage. Simply sauté the protein in the same pan before adding the garlic and chili oil.
- Vegan Version: To make the dish vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese and substitute with a plant based alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Extra Flavor Twist: A drizzle of high quality balsamic vinegar or a handful of sun dried tomatoes can elevate the flavor even further.
