Time and Servings:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti (use gluten-free if necessary)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will become bitter.
3. Add Red Pepper Flakes:
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, infusing the oil with a subtle spicy kick.
4. Combine with Pasta:
- Lower the heat and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the garlic oil until evenly coated.
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
5. Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top.
Tips for Success:
- Choose High-Quality Olive Oil:
- Since olive oil is a key flavor component, opt for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Mind the Garlic:
- Slice the garlic thinly and sauté it gently. Avoid high heat to prevent burning, which can ruin the dish’s flavor.
- Al Dente Pasta is Key:
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente for the perfect texture. The reserved pasta water helps finish cooking the pasta in the sauce.
- Customize the Spice Level:
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Enhance with Add-Ins:
- For added flavor, consider tossing in cooked shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of fresh spinach at the end.
- Use the Pasta Water Wisely:
- Adding pasta water gradually helps emulsify the oil and coat the spaghetti evenly.
This classic recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, offering bold flavors with just a handful of ingredients. Buon appetito! 🍝