Description
A classic Italian dish featuring pasta coated in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or your pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt the water generously (it should taste like the sea). Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant. Watch closely so the garlic does not burn; burnt garlic tastes bitter.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand with the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen and create a silky sauce. Toss for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavor.
- Taste and season with salt as needed. Remove from heat. Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if using. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
For a richer meal, pair with roasted vegetables, grilled shrimp, or a light protein. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent dry, tough pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 900
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 48g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg