Aromatic Garlic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Infused with a Rich Garlic Aroma! Aglio e Olio Spaghetti (Pasta)
A delightful spaghetti that fills your home with a comforting garlic aroma! The combination of clams and shrimp is truly fantastic. The cooking method is simple, and the ingredients are minimal! Let’s get started right away!
Ingredients- 100g Spaghetti
- 5 Cocktail shrimp
- 7 Manila clams
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 10g Parsley
Seasoning- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Generous amount of Olive Oil
- Splash of White Wine
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Generous amount of Olive Oil
- Splash of White Wine
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt (season it like seawater) and add 100g of spaghetti. Cook for about 8 minutes, or 1 minute less than the package instructions. This ensures the pasta retains a pleasant al dente texture when finished in the pan.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, thoroughly rinse the Manila clams under running water. Then, soak them in saltwater for about 30 minutes to purge any sand or grit. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Finely chop the fresh parsley.
Step 3
Once the spaghetti is cooked al dente, drain it using a colander. Transfer the drained pasta to a pan and toss it with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. This prevents the noodles from sticking together and infuses them with the fragrant olive oil.
Step 4
Now, let’s begin the main cooking. Heat the pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently. It’s crucial to cook the garlic slowly without burning it, allowing its aromatic essence to release. The garlic should turn a light golden brown and release a sweet fragrance.
Step 5
As soon as the garlic starts to turn golden, add the purged Manila clams and the thawed cocktail shrimp to the pan. Increase the heat to high and quickly add a splash (about 1-2 tablespoons) of dry white wine. As the alcohol evaporates, it helps to eliminate any seafood odors and enhances the flavors, creating a ‘flambé’ effect. (Ensure good ventilation and proceed with caution due to the flame. Alternatively, turn off the heat before adding the wine, then turn it back on.)
Step 6
Add the spaghetti, already tossed in olive oil, to the pan. Stir everything together well for about 1-2 minutes to combine the ingredients with the pasta. Then, add about one ladleful of the starchy pasta water. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce slightly reduces. This step allows the pasta to absorb the sauce, resulting in a moister and more flavorful dish.
Step 7
Finally, taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Once everything is beautifully combined, plate the Aglio e Olio spaghetti attractively. Garnish generously with the chopped fresh parsley for a final touch of freshness and aroma. Your delicious and visually appealing Aglio e Olio spaghetti is ready to be enjoyed!