Prepare to transform your kitchen into a culinary paradise with Marcella Hazan's legendary Pasta with Four Herbs - a dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy! This mouth-watering recipe is not just a meal, it's a sensory journey that combines the freshest herbs with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your dinner guests swoon with delight.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need 12 oz of pasta (either spaghetti or fettuccine), 1/4 cup each of fresh basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano, 1/2 cup of olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes for spaghetti or fettuccine.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the herb mixture. In a large bowl, combine the chopped basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano.
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it is warm but not smoking. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately add the hot pasta to the bowl with the herbs. Pour the warm olive oil over the pasta and herbs.
- Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the oil and the herbs are evenly distributed. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to incorporate the seasoning.
- To serve, plate the pasta and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can add more fresh herbs for garnish if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Marcella Hazan's Pasta with Four Herbs, savoring the fresh flavors of the herbs and the richness of the olive oil!
Tips
- • Always use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor - dried herbs simply can't compare! • Heat the olive oil gently to release the herbs' aromatic oils without burning • Reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency • Toss the pasta immediately after adding herbs and oil to ensure even coating • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic Italian taste • Don't overcook the pasta - al dente is the way to go for authentic Italian texture • Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness • Serve immediately to enjoy the herbs at their most fragrant and fresh
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
