Description
A classic Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce, lightly spiced with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Reserve some pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil mixture. Toss well, gradually adding the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt to taste, mixing gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, optionally drizzling with extra virgin olive oil for an added rich finish. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps to bind the sauce and coat the pasta perfectly.
- For a vegan version, this recipe is naturally suitable as is.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, fresh herbal note.
