Spaghetti with Garlic Scapes and Olive Oil (Aglio e Olio)
To give a garlicky Neapolitan classic a vivid twist, we cooked 10 scapes two ways (sautéed and parboiled), proving that the best pasta recipes are way more than the sum of their parts.
Ingredients
- 10 whole garlic scapes, trimmed
- 3/4 lb (340 g) spaghetti
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup (35 g) Pecorino cheese, freshly grated, plus more for serving
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
Instructions
- Cut 8 of the scapes in half lengthwise and set aside. With a fine grater, grate the remaining scapes and set aside.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Add the 16 garlic scape halves 2 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Reserve 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and scapes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the grated garlic scapes and red pepper flakes in the oil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Add the drained pasta and scapes, cheese, lemon zest and reserved cooking water. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavours. Season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the spaghetti among four plates. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with more cheese, if desired.
To give a garlicky Neapolitan classic a vivid twist, we cooked 10 scapes two ways (sautéed and parboiled), proving that the best pasta recipes are way more than the sum of their parts.