garlic and oil spaghetti recipe

The Best garlic and oil spaghetti recipe

I’m so glad you’re here to learn about one of my family’s favorite recipes – garlic and oil spaghetti. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for a gathering, this recipe is sure to please. As an Italian-American, I’ve grown up with the rich flavors and aromas of Italy’s culinary traditions. And while I’ve tried many variations of spaghetti over the years, there’s something special about this garlic and oil recipe that just hits the spot every time.

The simplicity of it all – just garlic, olive oil, spaghetti, salt, and sometimes some grated parmesan on top – is part of its magic. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can dress it up or down depending on your mood.

Want to add some protein? Throw in some cooked sausage or chicken. Feeling fancy?

Add some sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes. The possibilities are endless! Of course, like any good home cook will tell you, the key to a great garlic and oil spaghetti lies in the quality of its ingredients.

Use a good olive oil, fresh garlic (not that pre-minced stuff from a jar), and real parmesan cheese (not that pre-shredded nonsense). Trust me when I say it makes all the difference. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get started on this simple yet incredible recipe.

Garlic and Oil Spaghetti

4.8 from 1485 votes

This classic Italian dish is simple and delicious. Tossed with fragrant garlic and olive oil, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp red pepper flakes
salt to taste
fresh parsley for garnishing

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4The spaghetti should be firm to the bite and slightly chewy.
5While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
7Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
8Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
9Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the spaghetti using a colander.
10Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil.
11Toss well to coat the spaghetti evenly.
12If the spaghetti is too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to help coat it.
13Season with salt to taste.
14Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
15The spaghetti should be hot and well-coated with the garlic oil, with a slightly spicy kick from the red pepper flakes.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can toast the garlic in the oil until it’s lightly browned. Be sure to stir the garlic frequently to prevent burning. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti for extra richness.

Watch Video Of How Garlic and Oil Spaghetti Works

This garlic and oil spaghetti recipe never fails to impress my family and friends alike. Whether we’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special occasion meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, as an added bonus – with its rich flavors and ease of preparation – it’s also super easy on us cooks! So go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you.

When storing leftover spaghetti (and we all know leftovers are inevitable!) , simply transfer your cooled pasta mixture into an airtight container before refrigerating until ready to reheat.

Speaking of reheating – feel free to toss your cooked pasta with some additional olive oil if needed before warming up in the microwave or oven.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic and Oil Spaghetti

Q: What type of spaghetti should I use?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using a high-quality, 100% Italian-made spaghetti made from durum wheat semolina. Look for brands like De Cecco or Barilla – they’re widely available and always deliver great results.

Q: Can I use store-bought minced garlic instead of fresh?

A: While it might be tempting to save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar, trust me when I say it’s worth taking the extra minute or two to mince your own fresh garlic cloves. The flavor just isn’t the same.

Q: How long should I cook my spaghetti?

A: Generally speaking, you want your spaghetti al dente – that’s Italian for ‘firm to the bite.’ If you’re unsure whether it’s done yet, try biting into a strand; if it still feels hard in the center but not crunchy around the edges, it’s ready.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be prepared ahead of time! Simply cook your spaghetti according to package instructions (al dente), then mix with minced garlic and olive oil in an airtight container before refrigerating until serving.

Q: Do I really need parmesan cheese?

A: While technically optional (but really not!), adding some grated parmesan on top takes this dish from good to great in an instant.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with other ingredients?

A: Absolutely! This recipe serves as a fantastic base for experimentation – try adding cooked chicken or sausage for added protein or tossing in some steamed broccoli florets for an extra dose of green veggies.

Similar Posts