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Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 9 reviews

A simple and flavorful Italian pasta recipe featuring spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce, enhanced with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. This classic dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti

Sauce

  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
  3. Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining the spaghetti, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then drain the pasta using a colander.
  4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet containing the garlic-infused olive oil. Toss well to coat the noodles thoroughly, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
  5. Season and Add Parsley: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley evenly throughout the dish.
  6. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Be careful to sauté the garlic gently to avoid burning, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
  • Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce texture; its starchiness helps bind the sauce.
  • Use freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness to the dish.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but recommended for added savory richness.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to preference.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/italian-pasta-with-garlic-olive-oil-sauce-recipe/