Best Easy Pici all'Aglione Recipe

Thick hand-rolled Tuscan pasta in a robust garlic and tomato sauce from the Val d'Orcia. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is hearty, fresh, and ideal for a rustic family meal.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 510 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 3 cups
  • water 1 cup
  • extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Roma tomatoes 6 pieces
  • whole garlic cloves 8 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • crushed red pepper flakes 0.5 tsp
  • fresh basil 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 85 g 66%
Protein 13 g 10%
Fat 11 g 24%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, water, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Knead for 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Divide rested dough into small pieces and roll each into thick, rustic strands—about 12 inches long—maintaining a thickness of ¼ inch.

  3. 3

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pici pasta for 6–8 minutes, until just tender but still slightly chewy.

  4. 4

    While pasta cooks, heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-low. Add whole garlic cloves and sauté gently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, not browned.

  5. 5

    Add chopped Roma tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, and ½ tsp salt to skillet. Simmer on medium for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing garlic gently with a wooden spoon for a rustic sauce.

  6. 6

    Drain pici and immediately toss it with the aglione sauce, mixing well over low heat for 1 minute. Add fresh basil and adjust seasoning; serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient for Pici all'Aglione is the abundance of whole garlic cloves, which are gently sautéed to release their sweet, robust flavor into the tomato sauce. This garlic forward approach creates the signature aroma and depth of this rustic Tuscan dish.
Q. How should I control the heat when making aglione sauce?
For best flavor and texture, sauté the whole garlic cloves over medium-low heat with olive oil, ensuring they remain fragrant but not browned—this prevents bitterness. Then, simmer the chopped tomatoes at medium heat to meld flavors and soften the sauce while mashing the garlic gently for a rustic finish.
Q. How can I prevent the pici pasta from becoming too soft or sticky?
Roll pici pasta to a consistent ¼-inch thickness for uniform cooking and cook in boiling salted water for 6–8 minutes. Immediately toss drained pasta with hot sauce to reduce stickiness. Avoid overcooking, as hand-rolled pasta is best enjoyed slightly chewy.
Q. What is the nutrition profile per serving?
Each serving contains about 510 kcal, with carbohydrates at 85g (66% of calories), protein at 13g (10%), and fat at 11g (24%). The dish is vegetarian and mediterranean, offering a hearty and satisfying pasta meal.
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