Ah, spaghetti with garlic and oil! It’s one of those magical dishes that reminds me of cozy nights at home, with the aroma of sautéing garlic filling the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it—just a few ingredients, but the flavors were out of this world! It’s such a simple recipe, yet it feels so indulgent. You know those evenings when you want something quick but also delicious? This dish is perfect! You can whip it up in 20 minutes, and trust me, it’s a surefire way to impress anyone at your dinner table. Plus, with just spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil, it’s a testament to how delightful Italian cooking can be without all the fuss. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!
Ingredients for Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
- 400g spaghetti – This is your base, the pasta that will soak up all that delicious garlic oil.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced – Fresh garlic is key here! It adds that aromatic punch that makes this dish sing.
- 100ml olive oil – Go for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it really elevates the flavor and richness.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes – This adds a lovely kick! Feel free to adjust based on how spicy you like it.
- Salt to taste – Just the right amount of salt enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip this step.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – This not only adds a pop of color but also freshness to your dish.
How to Prepare Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
Boil the Water
First things first, grab a large pot and fill it with water. You want enough to give the spaghetti room to dance around while it cooks! Don’t forget to add a generous amount of salt—about a tablespoon should do the trick. This is crucial because it’s the only chance you’ll get to season the pasta itself. Once it’s bubbling away, you’re ready for the next step.
Cook the Spaghetti
Now, it’s time to add your 400g of spaghetti to that boiling water. Stir it a bit to prevent sticking, and then follow the package instructions for cooking time—usually around 8 to 10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Trust me, you don’t want mushy pasta here! Keep an eye on it, and when the timer goes off, taste a strand to ensure it’s just right.
Prepare the Garlic Oil
While your pasta is cooking, let’s make that magical garlic oil! In a large pan, heat 100ml of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in those thinly sliced garlic cloves along with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté them gently until the garlic turns golden and fragrant—this should take just a couple of minutes, so don’t wander off! Keep stirring to prevent burning; we want that lovely golden color, not brown!
Combine and Serve
Now for the grand finale! Drain your spaghetti, but save a cup of that pasta water—trust me, you might need it later. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan with your luscious garlic oil and toss it all together. If it looks a little dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s perfectly coated. Finally, season with salt to taste, and don’t forget to sprinkle on that fresh chopped parsley before serving. Wow, you’ve just made something delicious!
Nutritional Information
Now, I want to give you a little heads up about the nutritional info for this delightful spaghetti with garlic and oil. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re just estimates—don’t stress too much about the numbers!
- Calories: About 400 per serving
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
So, there you have it! This dish is not only delicious but can also be quite satisfying in moderation. Enjoy your meal, and remember, it’s all about balance!
Tips for Success
To make your spaghetti with garlic and oil truly shine, I’ve got a few pro tips to share! First, don’t skimp on the olive oil—using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a world of difference in flavor. It’s worth the splurge! Also, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking; if you’re not a fan of heat, start with just a pinch, and you can always add more later.
Another little gem is to save that reserved pasta water! It’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency. Just a splash can bring everything together beautifully. And don’t forget to taste as you go—seasoning is key! Finally, finish it off with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for that burst of color and flavor. Trust me, every bite will be divine!
Variations on Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations to try with your spaghetti with garlic and oil! One of my favorites is tossing in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for added color and nutrition. You could also add a protein boost by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. For a different flavor twist, consider finishing the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your spaghetti with garlic and oil, consider serving it alongside a fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens complement the richness of the pasta beautifully! You could also pair it with some crusty garlic bread for that extra crunch and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes and mozzarella would be perfect, too. And don’t forget a nice glass of white wine to round out your meal—trust me, it’s the cherry on top of this delightful dining experience!
Equipment Needed
- Large pot – You’ll need this for boiling the spaghetti. Make sure it’s big enough to give the pasta plenty of room!
- Pan – A good-sized skillet is essential for sautéing the garlic and mixing in the spaghetti.
- Colander – This is a must-have for draining the cooked pasta. You don’t want any slippery spaghetti escaping!
- Stirring utensils – A wooden spoon or silicone spatula works great for tossing everything together without scratching your pan.
- Measuring spoons – Handy for measuring out your olive oil and red pepper flakes accurately.
FAQ About Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for this dish, feel free to swap it out for linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if that’s your preference. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, but if you want to add a cheese flavor without using dairy, consider sprinkling some nutritional yeast on top for that cheesy taste!
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but I highly recommend fresh garlic for the best flavor. If using powder, start with about 1 teaspoon and add to the oil while it heats.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic oil in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before tossing it with your freshly cooked spaghetti!
What can I add for extra flavor?
There are so many options! You can toss in some sautéed mushrooms, olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also work wonderfully to elevate the dish!
For more tips on cooking pasta perfectly, check out this guide on Serious Eats.
For a deeper dive into the health benefits of olive oil, you can visit Healthline.
If you’re interested in exploring more Italian recipes, check out this pasta category on our site.
Imprimer
Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil: 5 Tips for Deliciousness
- Temps Total: 20 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and flavorful pasta dish made with garlic and olive oil.
Ingrédients
- 400g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 100ml olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until garlic is golden.
- Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water.
- Add spaghetti to the pan with garlic oil, toss to combine.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- Can add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 0g
- De Sodium: 100mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, pasta, Italian cuisine
