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Quick Aglio e Olio with Parmesan

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A simple and flavorful Italian pasta dish made with garlic-infused olive oil, spaghetti, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4–6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts or 3.8 liters of water with 1 tablespoon sea salt). Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook slowly, stirring often, until garlic is light golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid burning.
  3. Add red pepper flakes to the garlic oil and stir, letting it infuse for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  5. Drain pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss with tongs to coat evenly.
  6. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml) until sauce is silky and clings to pasta.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss quickly to melt cheese into sauce.
  8. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and adjust salt if needed. Sprinkle parsley on top if using.
  9. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Cook garlic slowly on medium-low heat to avoid burning and bitterness. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to pasta. Toss pasta gently but thoroughly for even coating. Add more pasta water if pasta feels dry. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: aglio e olio, quick pasta, Italian pasta, garlic pasta, Parmesan pasta, easy dinner, 15-minute recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/quick-aglio-e-olio-with-parmesan-recipe-easy-15-minute-italian-pasta/