Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This simple yet stunning Italian dish will transport your taste buds straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy, where humble ingredients create magic. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, infused with golden garlic and tender savoy cabbage threads that melt in your mouth - a recipe so delicious, it'll make you forget about every complicated meal you've ever tried.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1/2 head savoy cabbage, shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the pasta.
- While the water is heating up, prepare the savoy cabbage. Remove any tough outer leaves and cut the cabbage in half. Shred half of the head into thin threads, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the shredded savoy cabbage to the skillet with the garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
- Sprinkle in the 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sautéed cabbage and garlic. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed to help create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Continue to toss the pasta and cabbage mixture for another 1-2 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional olive oil or freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy your Pasta Garlic and Savoy Cabbage Threads!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to your noodles.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil for maximum flavor impact.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process - golden and fragrant is the goal, burnt is a no-go.
- Shred your savoy cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Feel free to adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference - more for heat lovers, less for mild palates.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, as pasta continues to absorb flavors quickly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 277kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
