Tinned Octopus Pasta
A delightful and simple Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender tinned octopus, bright lemon, and fragrant garlic, perfect for both cozy weeknights and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Octopus
- 200 g pasta (spaghetti or linguine) Use your favorite type of pasta.
- 1 can tinned octopus Choose a good-quality option in olive oil or its own juices.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil adds more flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for the best taste.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to your desired heat level.
- to taste none salt and pepper Season to your preference.
For Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Adds brightness to the dish.
- 1 none lemon wedges For serving.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Tip: Salt the pasta water generously—about 1 tablespoon per 4–5 liters of water—to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Tip: Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining; it helps bind the sauce.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant.
- Tip: Watch the garlic closely; cook until just fragrant (about 30–45 seconds) to avoid bitterness.
- Add the tinned octopus (including its liquid) to the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes.
- Tip: The canned liquid can add depth; if it’s very briny, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to mellow it.
Combining
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Tip: Add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water at a time to create a glossy sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
For additional flavors, consider adding toasted nuts or different herbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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