Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Garlic — hated by Dracula but loved by your immune system. Garlic has been proven to relieve joint inflammation, prevent arthritis, and (when eaten with fruits and vegetables) lower your risk of colon cancer. When rubbed on the skin, it's been shown to kill acne-causing bacteria and athlete's foot-causing fungi. Next time you're eating pasta, add some garlic! Check out this aglio e olio pasta recipe that Jeanine (@loveandlemons) cooked up!

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• ½ to 1 cup pasta water
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 large bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Parmesan or Vegan Parmesan, for serving

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, cooking until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the garlic is lightly browned around the edges. Add the kale, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook, tossing with tongs, until the kale is wilted, up to 1 minute.
3. Add the spaghetti and toss to combine. Add ½ cup pasta water and the lemon juice and zest and toss. If the pasta is seeming too dry, add the remaining ½ cup pasta water to create a light sauce.
4. Season to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve with Parmesan or vegan Parmesan.

Why We Love This…

As cold weather sets in and the winter season approaches, our immune system notices. Pair this garlicky recipe with

✔️ High in fiber: Whole-grain spaghetti and kale provide dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and promoting satiety.
✔️ Rich in antioxidants: Garlic and kale are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support immune function.
✔️ Heart-healthy fats: Extra-virgin olive oil offers monounsaturated fats that may support heart health when consumed in moderation.
✔️ Anti-inflammatory properties: The combination of garlic and olive oil has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects.
✔️ Vitamin-rich: Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, contributing to skin health, immune function, and bone health.
✔️ Low in calories: This dish is relatively low in calories, making it suitable for those mindful of their caloric intake.
✔️ Quick and easy: Comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
✔️ Customizable: Easily adaptable to various dietary preferences by swapping ingredients like pasta type or adding protein sources.
✔️ Vegan-friendly: Omit Parmesan or use vegan alternatives to make this dish suitable for a vegan diet.
✔️ Satisfying and flavorful: The combination of garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest creates a rich, satisfying flavor profile.

If you like this recipe, check out these Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes!