Pasta Nada is what you make when there is almost nothing in the house. A pot of pasta, good olive oil, a little garlic, black pepper, and always a generous pinch of our Maine Wedding Salt.
From there, use what you have. Add herbs, cheese, nuts, something briny, or whatever is waiting in the pantry. There is no need to overthink it.
Simple and endlessly adaptable, this is the kind of meal you can make late, eat straight from the bowl, and never feel like anything is missing.
Yield: 4 Servings
TIme: 15 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 pound pasta
1 teaspoon Maine Wedding Salt
3 to 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
Extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly cracked black pepper
Pasta Water
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Choose one of these combinations as a starting point, mix and match between them, or simply use what you have.
Briny & Spicy
Capers or olives
Chili flakes
Anchovies, or oil-packed tune
Toasted & Earthy
Walnuts, or pine nuts
Fresh sage leaves
Parmesan
Creamy & Bright
Corn, peas, or canned clams
White wine, or lemon zest and juice
A splash of heavy cream, or butter
Rich & Savory
Diced or sun-dried tomatoes
White beans, or chickpeas
Caramelized onions, or parmesan
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve a cup or so of pasta water.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, warm a generous glug of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and black pepper and cook until just fragrant, then immediately add any extras that benefit from cooking, such as capers, olives, chili flakes, anchovies, nuts, sage, corn, peas, tomatoes, or beans. Add the Maine Wedding Salt and cook until everything is warmed through, toasted, or softened.
Step 3
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss until glossy and well coated, adding splashes of pasta water and a little more olive oil, butter, or cream as needed. Fold in any finishing touches, such as Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, or fresh herbs.
Step 4
Plate, finish with freshly cracked black pepper, and serve with your favorite glass of wine.
