Has a movie ever inspired you to buy a cooking utensil? The movie Chef made me buy a carving fork, but not for the traditional use.
I watched Jon Favreau use one to twist pasta into a gorgeous spiral, and I had to have it.
You’ve seen the movie, right? Granted, the language is a little rough. But the food! To say that this movie is seductive doesn’t really cover it. Really, how do you make a grilled cheese looks that sexy. And the Cubano, oh, the Cubano – that my friend, Nagi did a lovely job of recreating.
Want an example, watch this one-minute scene with Scarlett Johansson and tell me if I’m exaggerating – (Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?)
This is the first time I’ve made (or eaten) Pasta Aglio e Olio and, this may sound like sacrilege, but, ‘Bye, bye mac and cheese.” I was tempted to decrease the amount of olive oil – 1/2 cup for two people borders on obscene, doesn’t it? But it’s the perfect amount. The pasta is silky, not greasy. And the play of fresh parsley and lemon zing, with the subtle heat of crushed red pepper and copious amounts of garlic and olive oil, well…you’re just going to have to try it.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- ½ cup olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 or 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper (how hot do you like it?)
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- juice of one lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir until garlic is tender and very lightly brown (take care not to burn it!).
- When pasta is done, drain and add to skillet with oil and garlic.
- Remove from heat and stir in crushed red pepper, parsley and lemon juice and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Welcome! I'm Marissa, and I write this blog. I write about the recipes that propel me (and hopefully you) into the kitchen. 
Sometimes the simple dishes are the best. Most of the time, actually. Pinned 🙂
I love this classic pasta dash, and the addition of lemon was a great idea!
Marissa…Love this post!!! And I have NOT yet seen the movie..I know I know…I HAVE TO…Did you see there is a new chef movie with Bradley Cooper coming out? I’ll take anything he is serving 🙂
But this pasta….it looks JUST HEAVENLY!!! Another Marissa classic!!!!
Awww, thank you so much, Mila! And yes, you must watch it. You’ll love it, I promise! xo
What a fun movie indeed! Nothing better than a dish with a few quality ingredients that all get to sing. Beautiful! Safe and happy travels in Paris.
Well said, Kevin! And thank you!!
I loved that movie! I actually watched it on the plane ride back from my last trip to Paris and I found myself so incredibly hungry on the plane. I was just grateful I was heading back to Southern California because I knew I’d be able to get my hands on some Latin flavors. :p This pasta though looks so incredible! I’ve always wanted to make a fantastic pasta with garlic and oil, and now that you’ve shared this recipe, I will definitely be making it! If it’s even 1/4 as good as your puttanesca, then I know I’ll be in heaven! <3 <3
I’d love it if they’d play it on the plane today! 🙂 Thanks so much, Beeta. Promise me that you’ll try this – I know you’ll love it. xo
Just looked up what a carving fork and it looks so awesome!
🙂 Very handy…
I need to see this movie! This pasta dish looks so simple and delicious! Pinned!
You’ll love the movie, Mira – it’s so much fun. And thank you!!
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the best ones! I bet the flavors here play off each other perfectly.
Well said, sweet friend. xo
Hehe that’s why I bought a carving fork too! And that’s what it is mostly used for (although I do use it for carving meat too) 🙂
I love it! Lorraine, we’re simpatico! 🙂
I loved the movie, including the predictability of the story line. Sometimes it’s wonderful to spend an hour and a half feeling good. It’s funny, Studio Canal paid me a LOT of money to review that movie but I can’t view that clip because I’m in the wrong country. 🙂
That dish is SO pretty and now I want it AND the knife.
Thank you so much, Maureen. Glad you were paid a handsome sum for your review, but I had no idea that there were geographic boundaries on YouTube videos – bummer.
Love the dish and love the movie clip accompanying your article.
Thanks, Kimberly! xo
This dish looks and sounds beyond delicious, Marissa! So simple but such intense flavors! I did enjoy Chef very much even though I thought the storyline was a little linear. The food (and also the music) were spectacular! 🙂
Agreed! Thank you, Nicole.
I just loved Chef, Marissa, which I was really pleased about because reviews seemed to be mixed. I absolutely love simple pastas like this (just need to convince the hubs, though!) Your photos are stunning, too!
Awww, thank you Helen. xo
Hi Marissa! Sometimes the simple things in life are the best and I think this is one of them! The ingredients are all pantry staples and all I might add is a simple salad on the side!
Exactly – just a simple salad and dinner is served. 🙂 Thank you, Dorothy!
So simple, but so delicious! Love this pasta dish 🙂 Pinning!
Thank you, Medha!