Description
A simple and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce, enhanced with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, ensuring the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
- Prepare the Garlic Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn the garlic. Stir in the red pepper flakes to infuse the oil with a gentle heat.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then drain the spaghetti thoroughly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to help create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Season and Add Parsley: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a bright, herbaceous note.
- Serve: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra layer of savory richness.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as it can turn bitter.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Using the reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adds creaminess without cream.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian pasta, garlic olive oil pasta, spaghetti aglio e olio, quick pasta recipe, easy Italian dinner
