Pasta Aglio e Olio
This quintessential Italian pasta dish blends the richness of extra virgin olive oil with the bold flavor of garlic, the brightness of lemon, and the heat of red pepper flakes. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, it is a fast, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of starchy water saved from cooking the pasta
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- Juice extracted from 1 fresh lemon
- 1/3 cup of premium cold-pressed olive oil
- 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound of dried spaghetti noodles
- 8 cloves of garlic sliced thinly into slivers
- 1/4 teaspoon of red chili flakes adjust to taste for spiciness
- Freshly ground black pepper to preference
- Kosher or sea salt to season
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a quarter cup of the hot pasta water. Set the drained pasta aside.
- As the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium heat to warm up.
- Slice the garlic into thin pieces and finely chop the fresh parsley. Keep both prepared and ready.
- Once the pan is hot, pour in the olive oil. Immediately add the crushed red pepper flakes, a small amount of salt, and a few turns of freshly ground pepper.
- Introduce the garlic slices to the pan and allow them to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until their aroma is released and they begin to turn golden. Stir occasionally or shake the pan to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning.
- Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the reserved pasta water. Stir briefly to combine, then take the pan off the heat.
- Add the drained spaghetti into the pan, followed by the grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated and the cheese melts into the mixture.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat. For added depth, use high-quality Parmesan and fresh lemon juice.