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To make Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti, you need a few simple items: - 200g spaghetti - 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 60ml extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) These ingredients come together to create a dish that bursts with flavor. The garlic and olive oil form the base, while the red pepper flakes add a nice kick. You can play with the recipe by adding some extras: - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Sliced olives - Fresh basil leaves - A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts These options can give your dish a fresh twist. They add color and extra taste, making each bite exciting. To cook this dish, you will need a few basic tools: - A large pot for boiling water - A large skillet for sautéing - A colander for draining spaghetti - A sharp knife for slicing garlic - A cutting board for prep Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. You can whip up this meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt once it boils. Then, add 200g of spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a bite. After cooking, save 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside. In a large skillet, pour in 60ml of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once warm, add 4 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Stir the mixture often for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the garlic to turn golden and smell great, but don’t let it brown. This step builds the dish's flavor. Now, add the drained spaghetti into the skillet. Toss it well in the garlic oil until the pasta is well coated. If it feels dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and the zest of 1 lemon. Taste and add salt as needed. For extra flavor, you can add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve the dish right away for the best taste. To cook spaghetti just right, follow these steps: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. - Add salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. - Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding spaghetti. - Stir the spaghetti right after adding it to the pot. This stops it from sticking. - Check the pasta package for cooking time. Aim for al dente, which means firm to the bite. - Reserve some pasta water before draining. This water can help if the sauce is too thick. To boost the dish's flavor, consider these tips: - Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It makes a big difference. - Slice the garlic thinly for even cooking. This helps it turn golden without burning. - Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste. More flakes add more heat. - Fresh parsley brings brightness. Chop it finely for a better mix. - Add lemon zest for a fresh, zesty kick. It elevates the dish's flavor. How you serve your dish matters! Here’s how: - Use a deep bowl for a beautiful look. - Garnish with extra parsley and a twist of lemon zest. This adds color and flair. - If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top right before serving. Fresh cheese looks and tastes great. - For an elegant touch, serve with a slice of lemon on the side. This allows guests to add more zest if they wish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a vibrant flavor to your dish. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best results. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It’s perfect for adjusting the sauce consistency. Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of extra parsley and a twist of lemon zest not only enhance the flavor but also make your dish visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can make Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti heartier by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work well. If you use chicken, grill it first and slice it. For shrimp, sauté them in the garlic oil for a few minutes until they turn pink. Tofu needs a little more love. Cube it, fry until golden, then toss it with the spaghetti. These options add flavor and make your meal more filling. To make this dish more veggie-friendly, consider adding seasonal vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach can brighten up your plate. Sauté your veggies in the garlic oil until soft, then mix them into the pasta. Another fun idea is to add some chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. They blend well with the flavors of garlic and olive oil, making your dish healthy and satisfying. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. Follow the same cooking steps as you would with regular pasta. You can also use spiralized veggies, like zucchini or carrots, as a base. They add a fresh taste and keep your dish light. Just remember to adjust your cooking time based on what you choose. To keep your garlic olive oil spaghetti fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. Make sure it cools down before you seal it. This helps keep the flavors intact. When it's time to heat up your leftovers, use a pan on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of the reserved pasta water. This prevents the spaghetti from drying out. Stir often and heat until it's warm. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a lid or parchment paper to keep moisture. You can freeze garlic olive oil spaghetti for later use. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This keeps your meal easy and tasty! Garlic olive oil spaghetti has roots in Italian cooking. This dish showcases the simple yet bold flavors of Italy. It highlights the use of garlic and olive oil, both key in Italian cuisine. Many Italian families enjoy this dish as a quick meal. They often use fresh, local ingredients. It’s a staple in homes and restaurants alike. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Spaghetti is traditional, but you can try fettuccine or penne. Each type of pasta will change the dish's texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. The sauce will still cling well, no matter the shape. To add spice, increase the red pepper flakes. Start with an extra half teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also add fresh chili slices for more heat. Another option is to use spicy olive oil. Adjust it to fit your heat preference, and enjoy the extra kick! In this post, we explored how to make Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti. We covered the key ingredients and tools needed for cooking. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through each part of the recipe. We also talked about tips for perfect spaghetti, flavor boosts, and ways to present your dish beautifully. Finally, I offered suggestions for variations and storage. Now you can enjoy a simple, tasty meal any time! Try different toppings and enjoy your unique creation.

Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti

A simple and flavorful spaghetti dish with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of spice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g spaghetti
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 unit zest of 1 lemon
  • to taste salt
  • optional freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the extra virgin olive oil.
  • Once the oil is warm, add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic-infused olive oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt to taste.
  • Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Notes

Serve the spaghetti in a deep bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parsley and a twist of lemon zest on top for a pop of color.
Keyword garlic, olive oil, quick meal, spaghetti