Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances spice and flavor! Our Spicy Spaghetti with Fennel and Herbs is not just another pasta recipe; it's a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant essence of Italian cuisine right to your table. With its gluten-free twist, this dish caters to everyone, ensuring that no one misses out on a delightful meal. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a plate of this aromatic spaghetti that's packed with fresh ingredients and a kick of heat. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have your family asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free spaghetti
- 1 medium fennel bulb, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, prepare the fennel by trimming the fronds and slicing the bulb thinly into uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Add the gluten-free spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced fennel and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent and begins to soften.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Transfer the fennel and garlic mixture to the pasta. Add chopped fresh parsley and toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of herbs and spices.
- Plate the spaghetti immediately, garnishing with additional parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your spicy gluten-free pasta.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions closely and taste the spaghetti a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Enhance the Fennel Flavor: Sauté the fennel until it’s slightly caramelized for a deeper, sweeter flavor that beautifully complements the spice of the dish.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, for an extra kick, feel free to add more!
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t skip reserving the pasta cooking water! It’s starchy and will help bind the sauce to the spaghetti, creating a luscious texture.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs make a world of difference. Top your dish with additional parsley or even some fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a light salad or garlic bread to round out your meal and impress your guests!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
