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- 200g spaghetti - 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 60ml extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt, to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Garlic olive oil spaghetti uses simple, fresh ingredients. You only need a few items to make this dish shine. The spaghetti is the base, and it cooks up nicely in salted water. Garlic is the star, bringing bold flavor. The extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps everything blend. Red pepper flakes give it a kick, so you can adjust that to your taste. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch, making the dish feel lively. Lemon zest brings a bit of brightness, enhancing all the flavors. Don't forget salt, which is key for bringing out the taste of each ingredient. If you like cheese, freshly grated Parmesan is a great finishing touch. This dish is not just easy to make; it's also full of flavor. You can make it in about 20 minutes, which is perfect for a quick meal. Enjoy each bite of this simple yet delicious dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Fill a big pot with water. Add a lot of salt. 2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. 3. Add the spaghetti to the pot. 4. Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. 5. Before draining, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. 6. Drain the spaghetti well and set it aside. 1. Pour extra virgin olive oil into a large skillet. 2. Heat the oil over medium heat. 3. When the oil is warm, add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. 4. Stir the garlic often for 2-3 minutes. 5. Make sure the garlic turns golden but does not burn. 1. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. 2. Toss the spaghetti well in the garlic oil. 3. If it seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. 4. Mix in the chopped parsley and lemon zest. 1. Serve the spaghetti hot right from the skillet. 2. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top. 3. To make it pretty, add more parsley and lemon zest as garnish. - Salting the water is key. It helps flavor the spaghetti. Use a lot of salt; it should taste like the sea. - Monitor the garlic closely while cooking. You want it golden, not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. - Adjust the heat when sautéing. Start with medium heat. If the garlic cooks too fast, lower the heat. - Pair your spaghetti with a simple salad. A fresh green salad works well. You can also enjoy garlic bread on the side. - For wine, a light white wine pairs nicely. Choose something like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. - Always use high-quality olive oil. The better the oil, the better the flavor of the dish. - Customize spice levels to your liking. Add more red pepper flakes for heat. You can even skip them if you prefer mild. Pro Tips Use Quality Olive Oil: The flavor of your dish hinges on the quality of the extra virgin olive oil. Opt for a fresh, high-quality brand for the best results. Adjust Garlic to Taste: If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add more cloves. Conversely, reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water. It’s starchy and can help create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti. Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation with additional garnishes like chili flakes, a sprinkle of lemon juice, or even toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily change up this dish to fit your needs. Here are some ideas: - Alternative pastas: Try gluten-free or whole wheat pasta. They work well and taste great. - Vegan cheese options: If you avoid dairy, use vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. - Adding protein: Boost your meal by adding shrimp or chicken. Sauté them before the garlic for added flavor. Want to make your garlic olive oil spaghetti even better? Here are a few tips: - Incorporating vegetables: Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition. Sauté them along with the garlic for extra taste. - Using different herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can change the flavor. Sprinkle them in right before serving for a fresh touch. These variations can transform a simple dish into something special, matching your taste perfectly. Enjoy experimenting! To store leftovers, let the spaghetti cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, eat it within two days. When storing pasta, try to keep it separate from sauces. This helps maintain the spaghetti's texture. If the pasta absorbs too much sauce, it can become mushy. For reheating, there are a few easy methods. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. If using a microwave, place the spaghetti in a bowl. Add a splash of water and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you prefer the stovetop, warm a skillet on low heat. Add a bit of olive oil or butter to keep it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. The oven is great, too. Cover the dish with foil and heat at 350°F until warm. To freeze spaghetti with olive oil, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the spaghetti from the freezer to the fridge a day before you want to eat it. For quick thawing, place it in a bowl of warm water. Reheat using one of the methods above. Add a splash of olive oil if it seems dry. Enjoy your quick meal! The best olive oil for garlic olive oil spaghetti is extra virgin. It has the best flavor and quality. Extra virgin olive oil adds depth to your dish. Look for a bottle labeled "cold-pressed" for freshness. A good quality oil makes a big difference in taste. Yes, you can make garlic olive oil spaghetti ahead of time. Cook the pasta and prepare the garlic oil. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, combine them in a skillet. Heat gently until warm. This method keeps the pasta fresh. To adjust the recipe for more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients. Use 100g of spaghetti per person as a guide. Keep the same ratio for garlic and olive oil. If you need to make it for six people, use 600g of spaghetti. Garlic olive oil spaghetti pairs well with a green salad. You might also serve it with garlic bread or grilled vegetables. For protein, consider shrimp or chicken. These options add balance to your meal and enhance the flavors. To prevent garlic from burning, cook it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. Remove the skillet from heat as soon as it turns golden. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Keep an eye on it while cooking. In this post, we explored how to make garlic olive oil spaghetti. We covered key ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and parsley. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, mixing, and serving. We also discussed tips for perfecting your dish and variations to suit your taste. Cooking this dish is simple and fun. Experiment with flavors to make it your own. Enjoy each bite, and remember to share this tasty recipe with friends!

Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti

A simple yet flavorful spaghetti dish infused with garlic and olive oil, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
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
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 zest lemon
  • to taste salt
  • for serving freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and set the heat to medium. Allow the oil to warm up gently.
  • Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is golden and aromatic.
  • Introduce the drained spaghetti into the skillet, tossing it well in the garlic-infused olive oil. If the pasta appears dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve desired creaminess.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped parsley and lemon zest. Taste and season with salt as needed.
  • Serve immediately while hot, adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the spaghetti in a deep bowl and garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest.
Keyword garlic, olive oil, pasta, quick meal, spaghetti