Description
A quick and easy Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in garlic-infused olive oil, fresh parsley, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion, this comforting recipe is simple yet flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces dried spaghetti
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon salt. Cook 12 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, prepare garlic-infused olive oil: In a large skillet over low heat, pour 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Gently cook, stirring often, for about 5-7 minutes until garlic turns golden but not brown or burnt. Remove from heat if garlic starts browning too fast.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the garlic oil. Adjust to your liking.
- Drain pasta using a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Transfer hot pasta to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss well with tongs or a pasta fork to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to achieve a silky texture.
- Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or cheese if desired.
Notes
Keep the heat low when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. Garlic-infused olive oil can be prepared ahead and stored refrigerated for up to one week. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, skip cheese or use vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups per
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
Keywords: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, garlic pasta, easy Italian recipe, garlic-infused olive oil, quick pasta dish, vegetarian pasta, simple dinner