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Herb and Elbow Pasta on a Wooden Spoon

Summer's Best Fresh Herb and Breadcrumb Macaroni with Citrus Sprinkles

dana vento
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Recipes
Cuisine side dish
Servings 8
Calories 244 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 A pound of Elbow Macaroni or your choice of small cut pasta boiled, drained, Al dente and 1 Tbsp drizzled with Olive Oil
  • 1/4 C Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/4 (or less for breadcrumbs and 1/4 for drizzle later)
  • 1/2 C Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Salt
  • 1 Tbsp of Garlic Minced
  • Fresh Mint about 7 leaves + 1 For Garnish
  • Oregano 1 Tbsp - fresh, rinsed, and whole + reserve 2 leaves for garnish
  • Basil 10 Leaves- rinsed chop 5 and leave 5 whole
  • Parsley 10 leaves all chopped or whole your choice
  • Mint - 10 pieces (chop 3, leave the rest whole (retain 1 for garnish))
  • Fresh Milled Pepper 1 Tsp
  • A Dash Red Hot Pepper Flakes optional
  • 1 vegetarian vegetable bouillon
  • Cup of Water
  • Lemon - Rinsed then zested to 2 Tbsp
  • Grating Parmesan Your Choice - fresh grate for the best taste experience

Instructions
 

  • Prepare pasta according to box instructions, cooking to 'al dente'.
  • Rinse, place into a large mixing bowl and lightly drizzle with oil then toss to move oil throughout all pasta.
  • Set aside.
  • In a large pan/pot place on medium heat on the stovetop.
  • Add a few tablespoons of Olive Oil at a time up to 1/4 C.
  • Now place Panko Crumbs in.
  • Lightly 'brown' turning constantly to NOT burn.
  • Once browned, remove to a bowl.
  • On medium-low heat, place the same pot to then prepare the herb seasoning.
  • In a pot, add 2 Tablespoons from the 1/4 reserve Olive oil.
  • Next, add in minced garlic.
  • Place Veggie Boullion in and water.
  • Then Herbs and optional Red Hot Pepper Flakes.
    herbs with red pepper flakes in cutting board
  • Garlic will color to 'red-brown' so watch the heat and don't let it burn.
  • Once the garlic is lightly sauteed, add-in water, slowly as it will spatter.
  • Stir to combine well.
  • Replace pasta to the pot and stir to mix from bottom to top to ensure coating pasta.
  • Pasta will shade 'light red' due to bouillon (that's fine!).
  • Turn off heat and allow the pasta to absorb the mixture.
  • Transfer pasta to the large bowl, top with panko crumbs, then lemon, then cheese, and the reserved herb leaves for garnish.
    stages of herb breadcrumb pasta
  • Serve warm.
    Herb and Elbow Pasta on a Wooden Spoon
  • Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.