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Lidia's Five Essential Simple Pasta Recipes

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Lidia Bastianich
Lidia Bastianich
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Recipe Information

Recipe Available
Video-Specific Recipe

Pasta

Cultural Context

Pasta, a staple of Italian cuisine, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Traditionally made from durum wheat semolina, it comes in countless shapes and sizes, each suited to different sauces and dishes. Pasta is not just food; it embodies Italian culture and family gatherings, often served during special occasions and Sunday dinners. Today, pasta is enjoyed worldwide, with variations adapting to local tastes and ingredients, making it a global comfort food.

ItalianITmain
45 min
medium
6 servings
Servings4
Kosher salt for the pot
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
6 anchovies, chopped
½ cup pitted coarsely chopped black brine-cured olives
¼ cup drained tiny capers in brine
One 28-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
¼ teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
1 pound spaghetti
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a budget-friendly alternative for sautéing.

cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

seafood

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu provides a plant-based protein option.

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta.

2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

3

When the oil is hot, add the garlic. Once the garlic is sizzling, add the anchovies.

4

Stir until the anchovies dissolve into the oil.

5

Add the olives and capers, and let them sizzle a minute, then add the tomatoes and 1 cup only of slosh water from the can.

6

Bring to a boil and season with the red-pepper flakes and salt if necessary, given that the ingredients are already quite salty.

7

Continue to simmer while you cook the pasta.

8

Add the spaghetti to the boiling water, and cook until al dente.

9

When the pasta is cooked, remove with tongs and add directly to the sauce.

10

Sprinkle with the parsley, and toss to coat the pasta with the sauce.

11

Serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

boilingsautéingmixing

Equipment Needed

large potskillettongs

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

vegetarian

Allergens

glutenmilk

Also Known As

Italian PastaPasta Dishes
Local Name: Pasta

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