Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of grated Pecorino Sardo cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Baking sheet for roasting garlic
- Blender or food processor for making the sauce
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
3. Drizzle the garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil.
4. Roast the garlic in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
5. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
6. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
7. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and 1/2 cup of grated Pecorino Sardo cheese. Blend until smooth.
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Toss the pasta with the garlic sauce and the reserved pasta water until well coated.
10. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Pecorino Sardo cheese and toss again.
11. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 550 per serving
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pecorino Sardo cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or Romano cheese.
- Olive oil can be substituted with any other neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Add roasted vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- To save time, roast the garlic ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Reserve some of the pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
- Use a good quality Pecorino Sardo cheese for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to prevent it from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated cheese.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Pecorino Sardo cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more cheese or blend in some toasted pine nuts for a thicker consistency.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente to avoid overcooking.
- Store any leftover pasta in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Pecorino Sardo is a hard, salty cheese made from sheep's milk in Sardinia, Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- The roasted garlic adds a sweet, nutty flavor to the pasta, while the Pecorino Sardo cheese adds a salty, tangy taste.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
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Region: Italian