Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio = Whole Wheat Pasta with Garlic and Oil
Before I became a stay at homer, I worked. Like, I had an actual, career. I know, imagine that? It seems so long ago, almost like another lifetime. It's only been 2.5 years, but still, I was a different person then. I was the kind of person who never looked at prices. I'd scoff at the idea of a coupon. Going out to dinner and spending a few hundred bucks on a meal was no big deal. Fast forward to this life; this new life where I am the coupon queen and I nearly die over the prices at restaurants. And forget the weekly mani and pedi! {Okay, I still get the pedi. A girl has got to live!}
I can't bring myself to order certain things in restaurants anymore, based on price, like pasta dishes. Don't get me wrong, I have no trouble letting my husband drop a ridiculous amount of money at a good steak house. Steak is something that the price is worth, if done right. Ruth's Chris knows how to do it right and you pay (I mean pay) for all that delicious rightness. Anyway, I'm drifting from my point (and drooling thinking of a ribeye).
Okay, back to my point, we went out to dinner a while back and I really was in the mood for just a plain old good pasta dish. Well, for Pasta Aglio e Olio, they want twenty five bucks?! I know that's not a ton of money, but for pasta with garlic and oil, it seems steep, no? This gave me an idea. My plan is to look at a few of my favorite restaurant meals that are WAY overpriced and create them here. For you. So you don't have to spend a gazillion dollars for stinkin' pasta. You're welcome.
Like, I said, this is a new idea that just came to me, and this Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio is the only one I have planned so far, but I will come up with more. I just need to scour a few menus first.Â
So if you aren't familiar with Pasta Aglio e Olio, it's literally pasta with garlic oil. Usually it's also seasoned with some crushed red pepper flakes. I've even seen the occasional capers thrown in the mix. I decided to health it up a little and use whole wheat pasta, but traditionally it's with regular spaghetti. And to take away the health of the whole wheat pasta, I threw in some bread crumbs. Ha! You can leave out the breadcrumbs, but I really like the texture it adds to a simple pasta dish.
This dish comes together in minutes and in my estimation, I made enough for 4-5 people and the total cost was under $15 (even cheaper if you don't use super expensive cheese like I do).Â
Oh and because my husband is a total carnivore, I threw some leftover chicken in his. So if you can't do without the meat, go ahead and use up your leftover chicken, or use that store bought precooked stuff. Whatever floats your boat.
Up to 50% off Back to School sale at Gymboree!
What are some of your favorite restaurant pasta dishes? Maybe I can remake them for you? Leave me your favorite pasta dish and the link to the restaurant in comments!
Whole Wheat Pasta Aglio e Olio
Ingredients
- 13.25 oz Whole Wheat Pasta I use Angel Hair
- ½ C olive oil
- 5-6 garlic cloves minced
- â…›-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- â…› teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ÂĽ C bread crumbs dry
- ½ C freshly grated romano cheese or parmesan
- ½ C chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to boiling water. Cook pasta until just al dente (about 3 minutes under normal cooking time). Reserve 1 C cooking water, set aside. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Return pot to heat, reduce to medium heat. Add olive oil. Cook 1 minute. Add crushed red pepper and garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add pasta back to pan and toss well with tongs to coat well. Add ÂĽ C cooking water (if still too dry, add a little more, until desired consistency). Add bread crumbs and black pepper, cook another 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and parsley. Serve immediately.
- **Optional: Add 2 C precooked chicken to make a heartier meal.
Seana Turner says
Okay, I SOO have to agree about not wanting to spend $30 for pasta in a restaurant. When you cook, you KNOW how budget friendly pasta is, so I almost never order it out anymore. I love this recipe - the bread crumbs took me by surprise. You could also add some spinach or broccoli to beef up the nutritional value, right? My daughter and I could live on this:) (stopping by from Tuned in Thursday...)
foodyschmoody says
I know, my husband is always like "who cares, just order it" but I just can't do it knowing the cost. You absolutely could toss in some greens, or, I actually usually serve a salad along side of it. Thanks for coming by!
Elizabeth says
So yummy! It is funny because I like to eat out but hate paying top dollar, especially for pasta. I love this recipe. I have never added breadcrumbs to my pasta, but this looks delish! On my list to make! Thanks for sharing.
foodyschmoody says
I'm glad I'm not the only one. I was afraid I was going to come off as a cheapskate in this post, lol. The breadcrumbs are totally optional but they do add a nice change up in texture. Thanks so much for dropping by Elizabeth.
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
Count me among those who can't pay big $$ for something I can make easily at home! This looks fantastic!
Kim @ 2justByou says
YUM. I pinned this for later!
foodwanderings says
hahah "coupon queen." I completely get what you say. There's no reason to spend so much $$$ when you make such a beautiful and delicious meal at home for mere $. I would stay home of this if you deliver. 🙂
Meseidy Rivera says
This pasta looks lovely! I'd have a bowl of this any day!
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
I'm typing those while trying to say "aglio-e-olio" 10 times fast. This looks fabulous and simple!
foodyschmoody says
I can barely say it and I came from an Italian speaking household!
Amanda @The Kitcheneer says
I agree, $25 is WAY too much to spend on pasta at a restaurant. It would have to have truffles or some special ingredient like the tears of virgin milkmaids to make it worth while. I LOVE this pasta dish ( or pasta in general)and LOVE garlic. Pinning!
foodyschmoody says
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA Now THAT I'd pay twenty five bucks for!
Carla says
I hear you on buying pasta dishes at restaurants! I make it so much at home, I feel cheated if I buy it anywhere. I'd going to buy a good, juicy burger or steak since I don't make those often at home. Smart thinking making your own pasta aglio e olio!
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic says
I'm with you! I just about never pay for pasta at a restaurant when I can make something better at home. This look so simple and delicious.
Dina@Kitchen Dreaming says
Thanks for coming and linking up at #The Weekend Social. Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST on KitchenDreaming.com ! I hope to see you there!
Kecia says
Boy do I hear that! Plus... the best pasta always is made at home! Wonderful recipe!
Nutmeg Nanny says
This looks fantastic!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Funny how things change in just a matter of a couple of years.
I think your pasta looks great! I'll take mine with the breadcrumbs, please!
foodyschmoody says
Yes, most days I'm grateful for the change because it means being home w/ the kids....notice I said most and not all. 🙂
Angela {Mind Over batter} says
I went to a Thai restaurant a few weeks ago and when that $300 bill came I wanted to sneak out a window! I'm not a stay at home, but to me that meal was STEEP! Good, but hella steep. Really, I should have sneaked out. Anyway, I appreciate what you're doing here - Recreating meals so my pockets stay fat. This pasta looks delicious - A great start!
foodyschmoody says
Thanks Angela. Oh, I miss those big expensive nights out. We still do it occasionally, but the responsible part of me can't do it too often, even though the husband would love to.