Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
why make this recipe
Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients. It offers a perfect balance of flavors with the rich olive oil, fragrant garlic, and the warmth of red pepper flakes. This recipe is quick to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. Plus, it requires minimal effort and ingredients, allowing you to enjoy authentic Italian flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
Ingredients:
- 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
how to serve Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
Serve this dish hot and fresh straight from the skillet. You can offer extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who like a cheesy finish. Pair it with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious oil!
how to store Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta and warm it gently in a skillet on low heat.
tips to make Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
- Make sure not to burn the garlic while sautéing, as it can turn bitter. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Using fresh parsley adds a nice color and taste, but you can use other herbs like basil for a twist.
variation
You can add cherry tomatoes to the skillet while sautéing the garlic for a pop of sweetness. If you want more protein, consider adding cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.
2. Is it okay to make this dish without Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely! The dish is still delicious even without cheese.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components like slicing garlic and chopping parsley ahead of time to save some time.
Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
