Description
Silky strands of spaghetti dance with classic Garlic and Oil Pasta, showcasing simplicity’s elegance. Savory garlic and fragrant olive oil invite you to savor each twirled bite of Italian culinary comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oils, Herbs, and Cheese:
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (25 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a spacious pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the spaghetti and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines. Carefully extract a cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining the pasta.
- In a expansive skillet, gently warm the olive oil over medium flame. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to transform into a golden, aromatic essence without scorching – approximately 2-3 minutes of careful monitoring.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the fragrant oil, letting them dance and release their subtle heat for a brief 30-second interlude.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked pasta into the infused oil, introducing a splash of reserved liquid. Vigorously toss the strands, ensuring each noodle becomes gloriously coated with the garlic-infused elixir. Gradually incorporate additional pasta water to create a silky, clinging sauce.
- Elevate the flavor profile with precise seasoning – delicately scatter salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Optional: enhance with vibrant chopped parsley and zesty lemon zest for an aromatic flourish.
- Present immediately, garnishing with an extra shower of verdant parsley and a delicate snowfall of grated Parmesan cheese for those desiring an additional layer of indulgence.
Notes
- Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most robust and authentic flavor profile in this simple pasta dish.
- Use fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced options to ensure maximum aromatic intensity and prevent bitter undertones.
- Control heat carefully when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can make the sauce taste acrid and unpleasant.
- Experiment with variations like adding roasted vegetables, grilled shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra texture and protein boost.
- Reserve pasta water strategically since its starchy composition helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta without compromising overall taste experience.
- Enhance nutritional value by incorporating additional herbs like basil or oregano, which complement the garlic and olive oil base beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 533
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg