Recipe:
16 oz linguine pasta
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
4 large cloves garlic, diced
1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for top
3/4 teaspoon salt
*Chili oil drizzle for a final touch
Serves: 4-6
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer (small bubbles). Drop in the pasta and cook according to the box until al dente (not mushy but still a little bite to it). Scoop out 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and set aside. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium heat (not high). Add in the olive oil and reduce to low. Then add in the chili flakes and dried basil and stir around. Next add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon so the garlic doesn’t burn. Remove from the heat and immediately toss the mixture with the hot pasta. Add in the parmesan cheese a little at a time as you mix with tongs (or it will clump) and add salt, mix some more, and taste. If the pasta looks dry add the reserved cooking liquid. Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Dinner Party Pro Tip:
I know what you’re thinking…why should I make this pasta side dish for my next dinner party? Well, let me tell you two good reasons. One, it has tons of flavor and two, it’s super quick and easy to pull together. So, with just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, you have an amazing side dish. Now you have more time to focus on that impressive appetizer or main dish that may take a few more steps.
Planning:
When you are planning a dinner party there are so many little things to think about. What goes together to make a cohesive menu? Do I have the right pans and kitchen tools for each recipe? How do I get the timing right so that everything is done at the same time? It’s so much more than just finding a couple of recipes you like online.
Where To Start:
Unquestionably, you want to start with a menu you are sure you can actually pull off. I know that seems obvious, but I think sometimes we are all inclined to find a couple of great looking recipes we want to try and underestimate the amount of time each one is going to take us. This leaves you stressed out in the kitchen at your own dinner party!
If you are newer to entertaining start simple. As you get more comfortable in the kitchen and with the timing of it all you can get a little more complex or creative with your dishes. Start by following these menu tips as you plan out your next dinner party.
Menu Tips:
Seasonal Ingredients
First of all, are you using seasonal ingredients? Not only will using ingredients that are in season make your dishes taste better but usually this means they are also less expensive and readily available. Moreover, if you focus on what’s in season, they will tie in well with the rest of the menu naturally.
Variety
Next, are you picking recipes that have enough variety? You don’t want to go with dishes that are all heavy and starchy or all meat. There should be a natural progression starting with a lighter course to the main dish which can be heavier. Or if doing apps then end with the heartiest appetizer last. Find one ingredient to highlight in each dish and make sure it’s different in every dish.
Do ahead steps
Also, are you picking recipes that have at least one do ahead step? For example, if you are making pesto chicken pasta you can make the pesto ahead of time. Or, a grilled corn and tomato salad, you can grill the corn ahead of time and make the dressing. These little steps save you a lot of time at the end.
Plating
Finally, figure out if you want to do a sit-down dinner where everything is served family style and all at once or space it out and do a progression of dishes in a more informal setting. Your menu will vary greatly depending on how you plan to plate the dishes (individually or family style). Hint, if you are new to entertaining then I recommend doing small bites and spacing it out. This buys you more time.
What to serve with Spicy Garlic & Parmesan Pasta?
Here are a few menu ideas that I think work well with this delicious and easy side dish of Spicy Garlic & Parmesan Pasta:
Appetizer: Peach & Fig Crostini
- Highlighting fresh figs and peaches in the summertime on a simple crostini is a beautiful appetizer and start to any dinner party. I made a reduction of balsamic vinegar and fresh figs to layer on the flavors and then some creamy brie and fresh basil with a little flakey finishing salt. If you wanted to make it part of an appetizer platter serve with Marcona almonds and prosciutto.
Main Course:
Option 1: Pan Seared Pacific Cod with Creamy Herb Sauce
- A light main course to go with something like pasta is always a good way to go. And fresh Pacific Cod is mild in flavor. Served with a do-ahead creamy herb sauce leaves you not much to do to pull this whole meal together in a matter of minutes.
Option 2: Pimento Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- If fish isn’t your thing then these stuffed chicken breasts would be a great option as well. The pimento cheese is a do ahead step and you can stuff the chicken hours ahead as well. That way you only have to bake the chicken and serve. Note, sometimes I like to wrap the chicken in prosciutto before I bake them and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a final touch.
