Garlic Pasta Recipe

There’s something magical about the simplest recipes, and this garlic-infused spaghetti is like a warm hug in a bowl that brings pure joy to my taste buds. Trust me, once you make this, you’re going to want to eat it every night of the week.

I savor the alchemy that takes place when you work simple ingredients into the warm embrace of a single, graceful, elemental dish. In this case, it’s spaghetti laced with olive oil and performed garlic, with the necessary note of heat as accent, in the form of red pepper flakes.

This is not a pasta that’ll knock you over and make you need to lie down afterwards; it’s light and very easy to balance with the other essential lovelies that make a meal your own.

Garlic Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Packed with healthy fats, it enhances flavor and heart health.
• Garlic: Rich in antioxidants, it adds a pungent aroma and umami depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a spicy kick and a good source of capsaicin.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides vitamins A and C, plus a splash of fresh earthiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami richness and is a source of calcium and protein.
• Spaghetti: A carbohydrate source that provides energy and satisfying texture.

Garlic Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

How to Make this Garlic Pasta Recipe

1. Take a large pot and fill it with water. The water should be salted well. Put the pot on the fire and cover it. Let the water come to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Use the package directions to time the cooking. The package will indicate some time range for cooking, saying that the spaghetti will be done at some point in that range. Cook until done and do not forget to reserve 1 cup of water. Drain and go on to the next step. Don’t hurry.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Put the garlic in the skillet and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s golden brown. Don’t let the garlic burn.

4. Add the red pepper flakes and cook them an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor.

5. Place the cooked spaghetti in the skillet and cover it in the garlic oil. Toss to mix it all together.

6. Should the pasta appear dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

7. Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the chopped parsley.

8. Mix in the finely grated Parmesan cheese. The pasta’s heat will do the melting.

9. Add salt and black pepper to taste when seasoning the pasta.

10. Serve without delay. If you wish, you can fancy it up with additional Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Garlic Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Pot lid
3. Large skillet
4. Measuring spoons
5. Cooking spoon or tongs
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater
9. Colander or pasta strainer
10. Measuring cup

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?A: Absolutely. You can replace spaghetti with any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
• Q: What is the best way to slice the garlic?A: Slicing the garlic thinly enables it to cook evenly and infuse the oil with its flavor without burning.
• Q: How can I make the dish spicier?A: Boost the quantity of red pepper flakes or include a few crystals of cayenne pepper.
• Q: Can I make this dish vegan?A: Certainly, just leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Q: Is there a substitute for fresh parsley?You can use dried parsley, but you must decrease the amount to 1 tablespoon because dried herbs pack a more potent flavor.
• Q: How can I prevent the garlic from burning?A: Over medium heat, cook the garlic and stir it often. Watch it closely so that it becomes golden brown, not dark brown or black.
• Q: Can I prepare this pasta ahead of time?A: To get the very best results, make it fresh. But if you want to prep earlier, you can do it and reheat gently on the stove. If the dish seems too dry when you reheat it, add a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Garlic Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Linguine, fettuccine, or zucchini noodles are good lower-carb substitutes for spaghetti.
Avocado oil or canola oil can replace olive oil.
Substitute with garlic powder (use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove) or roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
Substitute with fresh basil or cilantro for a different herb profile.
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can take Parmesan’s place in a dish.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Pasta Water Ensure your pasta water is well-salted, as it should taste like the sea. This will enhance the flavor of your spaghetti as it cooks, making every strand taste delicious.

2. Garlic Perfection Monitor the garlic closely as it cooks. Removing it from the heat just after it turns golden brown will prevent it from becoming bitter, maintaining a nice, nutty flavor that complements the dish.

3. Pasta Water Magic When adding reserved pasta water to the skillet, do it a little at a time. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce with the pasta, creating a glossy finish and allowing the flavors to adhere better.

4. Cheese Integration Gradually add the Parmesan cheese off the heat to ensure it melts evenly and incorporates smoothly into the pasta, preventing clumping.

5. Fresh Herbs Add chopped parsley just before serving to maintain its bright color and fresh taste, enhancing the dish’s presentation and flavor contrast.