Classic Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 63g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic turns golden brown and becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the garlic-infused oil. Season with salt to taste.
4. 4.
   Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Toss again to combine.
5. 5.
   Serve the spaghetti aglio e olio hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Garlic — Slice the garlic thinly to ensure it cooks evenly and infuses the oil with its flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The oil should be heated gently to avoid burning the garlic.
• Spaghetti — Cook the spaghetti until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the garlic-infused oil.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dish before serving.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
• To make it a heartier meal, add sautéed vegetables such as broccoli or mushrooms.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes for a fun twist on the classic dish.
• Serve the spaghetti aglio e olio with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious garlic-infused oil.

Serving advice

Serve the spaghetti aglio e olio immediately after tossing with the garlic-infused oil to ensure it stays hot and the flavors are at their peak. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness, if desired.

Presentation advice

Plate the spaghetti aglio e olio in a shallow pasta bowl, allowing the strands of spaghetti to be showcased. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.