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Lady Gaga Pasta

This vibrant pasta combines spicy chili flakes, tangy lemon juice, and sweet honey for a bold, flavor-packed dish. The recipe involves boiling al dente pasta and tossing it in a fragrant garlic and chili oil, then finishing with a zesty lemon-honey sauce for a glossy, flavorful finish. It’s a quick, rebellious meal that’s colorful, spicy, and satisfying.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g pasta (your choice) al dente
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil fruity and velvety
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • reserved cup pasta water starchy and silky

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden and aromatic, about 1 minute—be careful not to burn it.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, and a splash of reserved pasta water until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic and chili oil. Toss to coat the noodles evenly, letting them absorb the flavors for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour the lemon-honey sauce over the pasta, then add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta glistens and the sauce is silky, about 2 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more lemon for brightness or honey for sweetness. Serve hot, topped with additional chili flakes if desired.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for extra rebellion. Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning, and adjust chili flakes to your heat preference.