Garlic Mizithra from Old Spaghetti Factory features tender pasta sprinkled with aged Mizithra cheese and infused with roasted garlic, presenting a fragrant, savory dish topped with a golden cheese crust.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Garlic press or knife
- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving dish
- Oven (if broiling for golden cheese crust)
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or other pasta
- 6 oz (170g) Mizithra cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6-8 cloves garlic
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Mizithra cheese is a key ingredient that can be challenging to source outside specialty stores, so substitute with aged ricotta salata or Parmesan if needed. Use unsalted butter to control the dish's saltiness, balancing the salty flavors from the cheese. Fresh garlic cloves should be pressed or finely minced to release maximum flavor and aroma in your pasta. Taste seasoning carefully with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance but not overpower the dish's delicate flavors. Your Garlic Mizithra from Old Spaghetti Factory copycat will shine with a crisp golden cheese crust achieved by broiling the finished dish briefly in the oven.
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Add salt and cook pasta until al dente.
- Drain pasta using a colander.
- Grate Mizithra cheese and set aside.
- Peel and mince or press garlic cloves.
- Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, but not browned.
- Toss cooked pasta in skillet with garlic butter.
- Remove skillet from heat; add most of the grated Mizithra cheese and toss.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer pasta mixture to oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining Mizithra cheese over top.
- Broil briefly in oven until cheese is melted and golden crust forms.
- Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional).
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Garlic Mizithra from Old Spaghetti Factory copycat menu replicates tender pasta generously coated with browned butter, roasted garlic, and aged Mizithra cheese, finished under the broiler for a golden crust. If Mizithra cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with ricotta salata or Pecorino Romano, which provide a similar salty and tangy flavor. When roasting garlic, make sure it turns soft and fragrant but avoid burning, as bitter garlic can affect the dish's taste. Use salted pasta water to enhance the seasoning of your pasta, and adjust salt carefully since Mizithra cheese is naturally salty. Your final presentation can be elevated with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips
Ensure you salt the boiling water generously to enhance pasta flavor during cooking. Avoid browning the garlic when sauteing; it should be fragrant and soft to maintain the dish's delicate taste. When tossing pasta with cheese and butter, do so off heat to prevent cheese from clumping or melting unevenly. Use fresh Mizithra cheese for the best texture and taste, and watch the broiler carefully to create a golden crust without burning.
Nutritions
Garlic Mizithra combines carbohydrates from pasta with protein and calcium from Mizithra cheese, offering a balanced source of energy and bone-supporting nutrients. The unsalted butter adds healthy fats that help with vitamin absorption, while garlic provides antioxidants and supports the immune system. This dish is relatively high in calories, primarily from fats and proteins, so portion control is key. Your meal delivers savory flavors alongside essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin B6, and manganese.
Storage
Store leftover Garlic Mizithra in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the flavor of Mizithra cheese and roasted garlic. Consume within 2-3 days to enjoy the savory taste and prevent the pasta from becoming soggy. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the golden cheese crust and avoid overcooking the pasta.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute aged Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for Mizithra to achieve a similar sharp flavor if Mizithra is unavailable. Instead of broiling, try finishing the dish by baking it at 375degF for 10-15 minutes to develop a more evenly melted cheese crust. For a twist, incorporate roasted garlic puree instead of sauteed garlic to add deeper roasted notes throughout the pasta. Using whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti can accommodate dietary preferences without compromising the dish's classic texture.
Allergies
Mizithra cheese is a dairy product, so individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies should exercise caution when consuming Garlic Mizithra. The dish also contains butter, another dairy ingredient that may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Your sensitivity to garlic should be considered as some people experience adverse reactions to alliums, like garlic, which is a key component of this recipe.
Why this recipe?
The Garlic Mizithra from Old Spaghetti Factory captivates diners with its rich blend of garlic-infused olive oil and savory Mizithra cheese, creating a unique, aromatic flavor profile beloved by many. The dish's simplicity highlights high-quality ingredients that deliver a comforting yet distinctive Italian taste. Creating a copycat version allows you to customize the garlic and cheese balance to match your preferences while replicating the authentic experience at home. Your kitchen becomes a canvas for this classic combination, offering a delicious way to impress guests or enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal anytime.