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A plate of spaghetti with garlic and oil garnished with parsley.

Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil

This Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil is a quick and comforting meal prepared with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced more for garlic lovers!
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Optional Substitutions
  • Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
  • Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
  • For a vegan twist, simply omit the cheese or use nutritional yeast.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Once bubbling, add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
Preparing the Garlic Oil
  1. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Toss in the sliced garlic and a pinch of salt. Sauté gently until the garlic turns golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Once the garlic is golden, add the red pepper flakes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. When the pasta is ready, reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
  2. Add it directly to the skillet with garlic and oil. Toss well to coat the pasta.
  3. If it's too dry, slowly add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  4. Finally, toss in chopped parsley for freshness and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

Serve your spaghetti in warm bowls with a crisp salad on the side. Pair with a glass of red wine for an elevated experience. Customize with fresh herbs or proteins as desired.

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