Classic Spaghetti with Garlic Oil and Red Pepper Flakes

Indulge in the classic allure of Spaghetti with Garlic Oil and Red Pepper Flakes—a simple yet flavorful dish that ignites the palate with every savory bite.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to cook

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Oil:
   • While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter.
3. Add Red Pepper Flakes:
   • Once the garlic is fragrant, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet.
   • Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the red pepper flakes are fragrant and infused into the oil.
4. Combine Spaghetti and Garlic Oil:
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil and red pepper flakes.
   • Toss the spaghetti gently in the oil until it is well coated. If the spaghetti seems dry, you can add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to help create a sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
5. Season and Garnish:
   • Season the spaghetti with salt to taste, adjusting as needed.
   • Optionally, garnish the spaghetti with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and freshness.
6. Serve:
   • Transfer the spaghetti to serving plates or a large serving dish.
   • Serve hot, and enjoy the simple yet bold flavors of this classic dish!

Extra Tips

• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness. You can also add more or less garlic depending on your preference.
• For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest to the spaghetti just before serving.
• Serve this classic spaghetti as a side dish or add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.