Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a pasta dish that's about to become your new obsession! This Smoked Cheese and Olive Pasta is not just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, smoky, and utterly delicious meal that comes together faster than you can say "dinner is served"!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup smoked cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help create a smooth sauce.
- Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the sliced black olives and shredded smoked cheese to the pasta. Stir gently to combine, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the cheese is melted and creamy.
Tips
- Cheese Selection: Choose a high-quality smoked cheese like smoked gouda or smoked mozzarella for maximum flavor impact.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is your secret weapon for creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Garlic Wisdom: When sautéing garlic, watch it carefully. Those 30-45 seconds are crucial – you want fragrant, not burnt garlic.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until it's tender with a slight bite. Overcooked pasta can ruin the entire dish's texture.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: The chopped parsley isn't just a garnish – it adds a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and olives.
- Serving Tip: Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the pasta is piping hot for the ultimate dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 397kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
