Homemade Pici Pasta with Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) all-purpose flour 300g (10.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp olive oil 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 60g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it.
2. 2.
   Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, mixing with a fork until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into long, thin ropes, about 1/4 inch in diameter.
5. 5.
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pici pasta for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. 6.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté until fragrant.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked pici pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the garlic and chili oil.
8. 8.
   In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add the breadcrumbs. Toast the breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta and toss gently to combine.
10. 10.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Homemade Pici Pasta with Breadcrumbs hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before incorporating them into the flour. This will help in achieving a smooth and elastic dough.
• Breadcrumbs — Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor. You can make your own by pulsing stale bread in a food processor until finely crumbled.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pasta just before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes according to your taste.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add sautéed vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to the pasta.
• If you don't have pici pasta, you can substitute with thick spaghetti or bucatini.
• Experiment with different herbs such as basil or oregano to add a fresh twist to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Pici Pasta with Breadcrumbs as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti.

Presentation advice

Present the dish by twirling the pici pasta onto individual plates, ensuring that the golden breadcrumbs are evenly distributed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an appetizing visual appeal.