010: ITALIAN HERB PASTA

🍝 Italian Herb Pasta — The Terra Strings Scroll

Archetype: The Artisan — earth-born craft, honest flavor, timeless calm.

💡 Why This Works

Golden olive oil, garlic, and herbs — pure balance through simplicity. No sauce needed, just texture, aroma, and warmth.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Total: 20–25 min
• Effort: Low (RPE 3/10)
• Gear: Pot, skillet, tongs

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Fragrant, garlicky, herby — the kind of comfort that hums quietly instead of shouting. Feels like a Tuscan afternoon.

🥣 What It Is

Simple pasta tossed in olive oil, garlic, and mixed herbs — crisped breadcrumbs optional for texture. Classic, fast, endlessly lovable.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 2–3)

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp mixed dried Italian herbs (or thyme, oregano, basil)
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional finish: 2 tbsp breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil • parmesan or nutritional yeast • lemon zest • fresh parsley

✍️ Method

1. Boil pasta: Cook in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Infuse oil: In a large skillet, warm olive oil on medium-low. Add garlic slices; cook until golden at edges.
3. Add herbs: Stir in dried herbs and chili flakes. Sizzle gently for 15–20 seconds.
4. Toss: Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved water. Toss well until glossy and evenly coated.
5. Finish: Add breadcrumbs or cheese, lemon zest, and parsley. Season to taste.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• For creamy version: Add a splash of cream or cashew milk with herbs.
• For brightness: Finish with lemon juice or cherry tomatoes.
• For crunch: Toast breadcrumbs with garlic and herbs for topping.

📦 Storage

• Refrigerate 2 days; refresh with olive oil splash and reheat gently.

📜 Lore / Origin

Born from scarcity and sunlight — herbs from hillsides, pasta from humble hands — this dish reminds us: simplicity is the truest luxury.

🌺 Benefits

• Quick & light: energy in 20 minutes
• Adaptable: vegan, dairy-free, flexible
• Everyday ritual: grounding through movement and scent

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Efficiency: 20/20
• Texture & Authenticity: 20/20
• Time & Cleanup: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Earth-born simplicity, sung in golden threads.