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Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe with Red Pepper Flakes Perfect for Beginners

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A quick and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring toasted garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a kick of red pepper flakes. Perfect for beginners and ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) dry spaghetti
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt (for pasta water and seasoning to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste, optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using about 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of water and 1 tablespoon kosher salt. The water should taste like the sea.
  2. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 1/3 cup (80 ml) of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Toast gently, stirring frequently, for about 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spice.
  6. Drain the pasta, reserving the pasta water. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic and oil.
  7. Toss the pasta with the oil, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup or 60-120 ml) to create a silky texture.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Toast garlic slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning and achieve a sweet nuttiness. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles and create a silky texture. Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness. For vegan option, omit Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti aglio e olio, easy pasta recipe, garlic pasta, red pepper flakes, quick Italian dinner, beginner pasta recipe

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/easy-spaghetti-aglio-e-olio-recipe-with-red-pepper-flakes-perfect-for-beginners/