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Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

A classic and simple Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce with a subtle kick from chili flakes, fresh parsley, and optional grated parmesan cheese. Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb (450 grams) spaghetti or other long pasta

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, finely sliced
  • 1 tsp dried chili flakes, or to taste (or 3 fresh chilies, seeded and chopped)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve (optional, omit for vegan)

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente, meaning the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, peel and finely slice the garlic. If using fresh chilies instead of dried flakes, remove their seeds and finely chop them.
  3. Infuse the olive oil: In a frying pan over gentle heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes (or fresh chilies) and cook gently for a few minutes until the garlic turns pale golden, allowing the flavors to infuse without burning.
  4. Add parsley to the oil: Stir the coarsely chopped fresh parsley into the infused oil to release freshness and aroma.
  5. Drain pasta and reserve water: Drain the spaghetti when al dente, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water.
  6. Toss pasta in the sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the frying pan with the flavored olive oil. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. Add the reserved cooking water gradually as needed to keep the pasta moist and juicy.
  7. Finish cooking and serve: Cook the pasta and sauce together over medium heat for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with additional chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter and ruin the flavor of the dish.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes or fresh chili according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor impact.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water; its starchiness helps create a silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
  • For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/spaghetti-with-garlic-and-olive-oil-recipe/