Pin This rich pasta brings together earthy black garlic and classic Italian ingredients for a truly savory dish that nourishes your gut and satisfies deep umami cravings. Fermented black garlic adds natural sweetness and complexity while still keeping things easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for company.
When I first discovered black garlic, this was the recipe that convinced my family to love it. Now it is my go-to when I want a comforting but elevated take on pasta that people remember.
Ingredients
- Dried pasta such as spaghetti or linguine: brings welcome familiarity and the perfect slurpable texture
- Sea salt: for the pasta water ensures you get flavorful noodles from the start
- Black garlic: delivers gentle sweetness and fermented depth without any sharp bite for me it is always worth seeking out good-quality black garlic that feels soft and slightly sticky
- Fresh garlic: offers iconic Italian aroma and a sharp kick that complements the black garlic
- Small shallot: is mild but complex and turns sweet and jammy when sautéed
- Extra virgin olive oil: in the sauce creates silkiness and enhances the garlic flavors use good olive oil that tastes green and peppery
- Unsalted butter: gives body and a luxurious mouthfeel skip for dairy-free or use a plant-based version
- Vegetable broth: backs up the sauce with savory notes low sodium is best so you stay in control of the dish seasoning
- Dry white wine: adds subtle depth and brightness to the sauce making everything taste more layered choose one you enjoy drinking
- Lemon zest and juice: both cut richness with tang and bring lively aroma choose fresh unwaxed lemon if possible
- Freshly ground black pepper: adds gentle heat and depth grind right before using for best flavor
- Sea salt: balances all the robust ingredients use a little at first and adjust at the end
- Finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: offers umami boost and creamy finish grate it yourself for best texture and flavor
- Chopped fresh parsley: brightens the finished dish and contrasts all the buttery notes look for vivid green flat leaf parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes: lend optional heat and color shake on at the table to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Use about one tablespoon of salt for every six cups of water so your pasta is properly seasoned Add the dried spaghetti or linguine and stir well to prevent sticking Cook until just al dente then reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- While the pasta cooks place a large skillet over medium heat Add the extra virgin olive oil and unsalted butter Let them melt together and shimmer for a moment Stir in the finely diced shallot and cook for about two minutes until it softens and turns translucent This gentle start prevents the garlic from burning later
- Build the Garlic Base:
- Add the minced fresh garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned Next scatter in the chopped black garlic Stir and cook for another two minutes The black garlic should become sticky and glossy which draws out maximum flavor
- Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce:
- Carefully pour in the dry white wine if using and let it bubble up for one to two minutes until slightly reduced and smelling wonderful Add the vegetable broth lemon zest lemon juice sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Give everything a good stir and let the mixture simmer gently for three to four minutes so the flavors can meld
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained noodles directly into the skillet with the sauce Use tongs to toss and turn everything together Adding reserved pasta water little by little helps the sauce cling to each strand and gives a creamy finish Aim for a loose but glossy sauce that just coats the noodles
- Finish and Garnish:
- Remove the pan from the heat Fold in the finely grated cheese if using and handful of chopped parsley Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if you need to It should taste deeply savory with a little zing from the lemon
- Serve It Up:
- Plate the pasta in warm bowls Top with another shower of cheese a sprinkle of parsley and a good pinch of red pepper flakes for color and heat Serve immediately while the sauce is silky and hot
Pin To me the absolute star is the black garlic Every time I open the jar I think back to the first time I coaxed my husband into trying a bite The smile said it all Soft gentle and full of umami it turns even simple pasta into something truly memorable
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers quickly then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge making leftovers delicious for lunch Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the sauce Avoid microwaving for too long which can toughen the noodles and dull the garlic flavor
Ingredient Substitutions
Linguine or fettuccine both work if you are out of spaghetti For a gluten free option swap in your favorite sturdy gluten free pasta Try a vegan butter to keep things dairy free and nutritional yeast in place of cheese for a similar depth Sliced cremini mushrooms can add extra umami for anyone who wants more substance
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette and toasted seeds If you love texture scatter toasted pine nuts or walnuts over the finished dish Roasted vegetables like broccolini or asparagus make lovely additions for extra color and nutrients
Cultural and Historical Context
Black garlic has roots in East Asian cuisine and it is prized for its mellow flavor and health benefits By blending it with Italian-inspired techniques you get a global twist that celebrates both traditions This unusual combination is a playful way to introduce classic flavors in a new format
Seasonal Adaptations
Use ramps or wild garlic instead of shallot for a spring flare In early summer fold in lightly sautéed fresh peas or fava beans If you find local heirloom tomatoes toss in a handful just at the end for a pop of color
Pin A little patience and good ingredients make all the difference With this dish you never need to compromise on either flavor or nutrition and it always sparks curiosity and compliments at my table
Recipe Questions
- → What does black garlic add to this pasta?
Black garlic provides complex sweetness and rich umami, enhancing depth and adding gut-friendly properties.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Yes, simply omit butter and cheese or use plant-based alternatives for a completely vegan dish.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine work well, but any long pasta shapes will coat nicely in the silky sauce.
- → How do I find black garlic?
Look for black garlic at specialty markets, health food stores, or online. It cannot be substituted by raw garlic.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Try a crisp Pinot Grigio or light-bodied Chardonnay to complement the sauce's vibrant flavors.