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- Spaghetti: Use 400g of spaghetti for the perfect base. It cooks well and holds flavor. - Garlic: Six cloves of garlic, sliced thin, bring a rich, bold taste. - Extra virgin olive oil: A half cup of high-quality oil adds depth and smoothness. - Red pepper flakes: One teaspoon gives a nice kick. Adjust to your spice level. - Fresh parsley: A quarter cup of chopped parsley adds freshness and color. - Lemon zest: The zest of one lemon brightens the dish and adds a zing. - Grated Parmesan cheese: Adding this brings creaminess and umami. Use it if you like. - Salt: Season to taste. It enhances all the flavors in the dish. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions and tips! 1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. 2. Add a generous amount of salt. It should taste like the sea. 3. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. 4. Cook it according to the package instructions. 5. Aim for an al dente texture. This means it should be firm to the bite. 6. Before draining, save 1 cup of the pasta water. This will help later. 1. In a spacious skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. 2. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. 3. Add the thinly sliced garlic carefully to the hot oil. 4. Sauté the garlic for about 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely. 5. You want it golden brown, not burnt. The smell will be amazing. 1. Once the garlic is ready, stir in the red pepper flakes. 2. Sauté for another 30 seconds. This adds a nice kick. 3. Now, add the drained spaghetti into the skillet. 4. Toss everything together well. Make sure the pasta gets coated in the oil. 5. If it feels dry, add some of the reserved pasta water slowly. 6. Remove from heat and mix in the fresh parsley and lemon zest. 7. Season with salt to taste and mix it all well. Now, your flavorful garlic pasta dish is ready to enjoy! Check the Full Recipe for more details. To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio truly shine, you can adjust the spice level. If you want more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, use less. Start small and taste as you go. This way, you find the perfect balance for your palate. Adding lemon zest can elevate the dish. It gives a fresh twist that brightens the garlic flavor. Just zest one lemon and mix it in at the end. This simple step makes a big difference. Always reserve some pasta water before draining your spaghetti. This starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Use it to adjust the sauce’s thickness as you mix everything together. It’s a key step to achieve a silky texture. When sautéing garlic, watch it closely. Cook it until it turns a golden brown. If it burns, the flavor turns bitter. Take your time with this step; it’s where the magic happens. For serving, twirl the spaghetti into a nest shape on each plate. This makes your dish look fancy and inviting. Use a fork or tongs to create neat spirals. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cheese. This adds color and flavor. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. It makes your dish look even more appealing. Enjoy your meal! {{image_4}} You can make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio even better by adding protein. Shrimp and chicken work great. Both add a nice texture and flavor. Just sauté them in the olive oil before adding garlic. Another tasty option is bacon or pancetta. Their salty, smoky flavor adds depth. Cut them into small pieces and cook until crispy. Then, mix them into the pasta for a savory twist. For a vegetarian spin, use seasonal vegetables. Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and nutrition. Sauté them with the garlic for a flavorful mix. If you're vegan, skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add more herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the taste. To elevate the flavor, infuse your oil with different herbs. Try thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf. This adds a fresh, herbal note to your dish. Using flavored olive oil is another great idea. Chili oil or garlic-infused oil can boost the taste. Just be sure to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes if you choose spicy oil. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic-Lover's Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. After enjoying your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, store the pasta in an airtight container. This will help prevent the dish from drying out. Place it in the fridge as soon as it cools down. Proper storage can keep your pasta good for about 3 to 5 days. If you do not eat it within this time, consider freezing it. You can freeze Spaghetti Aglio e Olio if you want to save it for later. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat frozen pasta, you can use a skillet. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it heat evenly. Stir it often until it’s hot. This method keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. If you prefer, you can also microwave it, but be cautious to avoid drying it out. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic-Lover's Spaghetti Aglio e Olio section. In this guide, we explored how to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a simple and tasty dish. We covered essential ingredients like spaghetti, olive oil, and garlic. You learned about cooking techniques for perfect pasta and ways to add flavor with spices and herbs. Remember these tips for great taste and presentation. With variations for protein and vegan options, you can customize this dish. Store leftovers wisely to keep them fresh. Enjoy your cooking!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Indulge in delicious Garlic-Lover's Spaghetti Aglio e Olio that's quick and easy to make! This flavorful dish combines spaghetti with tender garlic, a kick of red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, all tossed in rich olive oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon, for a bright finish

Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously season it with salt (it should taste slightly like the sea). Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook as per the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, make sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water—it will be valuable for enhancing the dish's sauce. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

    In a spacious skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, gently add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic carefully, watching it closely to ensure it turns a lovely golden color without burning, about 2-3 minutes. The aroma will be deliciously intense during this step.

      Next, introduce the red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds to infuse the oil with a spicy, aromatic flavor. Be attentive, as the heat can escalate quickly.

        Now, add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic-infused oil. Toss everything together with vigor to ensure each strand of pasta is coated in the fragrant oil. If the spaghetti seems a bit dry, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.

          Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt to your liking, giving everything a good mix so the flavors meld perfectly.

            Plate the spaghetti immediately by twirling it into a nest shape on each dish. If you like, finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added creamy richness.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Create a visually appealing dish by neatly arranging the spaghetti into a nest shape on your plate. Drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil over the top and adorn with additional parsley and a lemon wedge on the side to enhance the vibrancy and freshness of your presentation. Enjoy!