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Delicious spaghetti with garlic and oil topped with parsley

Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil

A simple Italian pasta dish that pairs spaghetti or linguine with garlic and olive oil, enriched by the heat of chili flakes and the freshness of parsley, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Essentials
  • 340 g linguine or spaghetti The star of our dish! Choose whichever pasta you prefer or have on hand.
  • to taste Salt Enhances the flavor of your pasta.
  • 1 tsp chili flakes or 2-3 whole fresh peperoncini Adds that delightful kick to the dish.
  • 160 ml extra virgin olive oil For frying the garlic and giving the pasta its signature richness.
  • 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced) The soul of our recipe, bringing in that rich flavor.
  • 15 g chopped parsley For a touch of freshness and color.
  • 1 whole parsley leaf Used during the oil infusion step for aromatic goodness.
Optional add-ons
  • to taste Grated cheese A sprinkle of Parmesan can elevate the dish.
  • to taste Lemon zest A little zing that brightens everything up.
  • to taste Pine nuts Toasted for added crunch and flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fill a large pot with water, generously salt it, and bring it to a rolling boil.
  2. While waiting for the water, heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, sliced garlic, and chili flakes. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic turns golden.
  3. For an extra layer of flavor, toss in a whole parsley leaf into the garlic oil briefly. Swirl it around to infuse the oil, then remove it.
  4. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, as per package instructions. Remember to reserve about 240 ml of the pasta water before draining.
Combining
  1. Once the pasta is drained, carefully stir in 120 ml of the reserved pasta water into the garlic oil mixture.
  2. Toss the drained pasta into the garlic-oil mixture, ensuring every strand is coated smoothly. Add more reserved pasta water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
Final Touches
  1. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning by adding salt as needed.

Notes

Common mistakes to avoid include overcooking the garlic, neglecting the reserved pasta water, and skipping fresh herbs. Pair with a light salad, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread for a full meal.