Pasta With Garlic Chili Walnuts Blood Oranges Recipe

As a self-proclaimed pasta enthusiast with an adventurous palate, I present to you a tantalizing fusion of flavors that will lift your spirits and your tastebuds: Spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and walnut medley, kissed by the vibrant notes of blood orange zest, and finished with a hint of heat. Let’s journey together through a dish that promises to be as invigorating as it is delicious!

I think this vibrant pasta dish beautifully combines simplicity and flavor. The nuttiness of chopped walnuts and the spicy kick from red chili flakes perfectly complement the bright, citrusy notes of fresh blood orange zest and juice.

I like to finish it with fragrant parsley and optional Parmesan for a balanced meal with delightful texture and a dose of vitamin C.

Pasta With Garlic Chili Walnuts Blood Oranges Recipe Ingredients

• Spaghetti: A great source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties.
• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Walnuts: Provide protein and essential omega-3 fats.
• Red Chili Flakes: Add heat and aid metabolism.
• Blood Oranges: Vitamin C-rich, adding sweet-tangy flavor.
• Parsley: Contains antioxidants and can freshen the dish.

Pasta With Garlic Chili Walnuts Blood Oranges Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 blood oranges, juiced and zested
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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How to Make this Pasta With Garlic Chili Walnuts Blood Oranges Recipe

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add the chopped walnuts to the skillet and toast them until they become golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

5. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the blood orange juice and zest. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 2 minutes.

6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic and walnut mixture. If needed, gradually add reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere and create a glossy finish.

7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, tossing everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.

8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

9. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, citrusy flavors of the dish.

Pasta With Garlic Chili Walnuts Blood Oranges Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Measuring cup
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Citrus juicer (optional)
8. Zester
9. Grater (if adding Parmesan cheese)
10. Colander or pasta strainer
11. Tongs or pasta fork

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any pasta of your choice will work well in this recipe.
• What can I substitute for blood oranges? You can use regular oranges, tangerines, or even lemons if blood oranges are not available.
• How spicy is the dish with 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes? Using 1 teaspoon will provide a moderate level of heat. Adjust to your taste by using less or leaving it out entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
• Are the walnuts toasted? No, the walnuts will be cooked in the olive oil with the garlic, adding a nice crunch and flavor.
• Is Parmesan cheese necessary? Parmesan cheese is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
• Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.
• How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pasta With Garlic Chili Walnuts Blood Oranges Recipe Substitutions and Variations

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• Spaghetti: You can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.
• Olive oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a different flavor.
• Walnuts: Try pecans, almonds, or pine nuts as alternatives.
• Red chili flakes: Substitute with cayenne pepper or a sliced fresh chili for heat.
• Blood oranges: Regular oranges or tangerines can be used if blood oranges are unavailable.

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Pro Tips

1. Pasta Water Magic Always reserve a bit more pasta water than you think you need. It can be used to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking and help it cling better to the pasta, enhancing the texture and flavor integration.

2. Walnut Prep For enhanced flavor, toast the walnuts separately in a dry skillet before adding them to the garlic-infused oil. This helps bring out their nutty aroma and adds an extra layer of depth to the dish.

3. Zest First Zest the oranges before juicing them to ensure you don’t waste any part of the fruit. The zest provides a burst of citrus flavor that’s more intense than the juice alone.

4. Garlic Timing Keep a watchful eye on the garlic as it sautés. If it cooks too quickly, lower the heat or remove the skillet from the burner for a moment to prevent burning, which can give an undesirable bitter taste.

5. Chili Flake Control Adjust the amount of red chili flakes according to your spice preference, but add them early enough in the cooking process to allow their flavors to fully bloom without overwhelming the dish.