Oh, let me tell you about the joy of making spaghetti with garlic and oil! It’s one of those simple dishes that just warms the soul. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s bursting with flavor. The moment the garlic hits the hot olive oil, your kitchen will be filled with a heavenly aroma that’ll have everyone wandering in. Plus, it’s quick to make—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have much time. Trust me, you’ll love how easy and delicious this dish is!
Ingredients List
- 200g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 60ml olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously—this is your chance to flavor the pasta! It usually takes about 8-10 minutes for al dente perfection.
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a pan and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it warm enough to sizzle but not so hot that it smokes. This is where the magic begins!
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir gently and watch closely—this is crucial! Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the garlic turns a lovely golden color. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can taste bitter!
- When the spaghetti is ready, drain it, reserving a little pasta water (about a quarter cup) in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
- Add the drained spaghetti right into the pan with the garlic oil. Toss it all together, making sure each strand is coated in that delicious garlicky goodness. If it feels a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help it along.
- Season with salt to taste, and give it one last toss. Voila! You’re almost there!
- To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy the comforting, aromatic flavors of your homemade spaghetti with garlic and oil!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just about 20 minutes!
- Uses few ingredients, making it budget-friendly and easy to whip up on a whim.
- Flavorful and satisfying, with that perfect balance of garlic and olive oil that makes every bite irresistible.
- Healthy and vegetarian-friendly, perfect for anyone looking for a light yet filling meal.
- Versatile—great as a main dish or as a side alongside your favorite protein.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh garlic: Trust me, fresh garlic makes all the difference! It adds a vibrant flavor that pre-minced garlic just can’t match.
- Watch the garlic closely: Garlic can go from golden to burnt in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on it while it’s sautéing. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat.
- Don’t skip the salt: Salting your pasta water is crucial for flavor. It’s your chance to season the spaghetti itself, making each bite delicious!
- Reserve pasta water: Always save a bit of that starchy pasta water! It can help create a silky sauce if your spaghetti feels too dry after tossing.
- Experiment with heat: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more red pepper flakes! Start small and adjust according to your spice preference.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Don’t be shy with it!
Variations
- Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for a pop of color and additional nutrition. They not only taste great but also make the dish look stunning!
- Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and add a new layer of flavor. Just sprinkle them in towards the end for the best taste!
- Protein boost: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. They’ll complement the garlic and oil beautifully while making it more filling.
- Citrus twist: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the richness of the oil and garlic. It’s a simple way to enhance the flavors!
- Cheesy goodness: Grate some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the top before serving. The salty, nutty flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with the garlicky spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of spaghetti with garlic and oil, and now you have some leftovers? No worries! Storing them properly will keep that garlicky goodness intact for your next meal.
To store, let the spaghetti cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any odors from your fridge mingling with your lovely pasta. It’ll last for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to keeping the flavors vibrant. I recommend using a skillet for the best results. Just add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to the pan over medium heat, then toss in your spaghetti. Stir it around gently until it’s heated through, and it’ll be almost as good as freshly made!
If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too! Just place your spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a little water over it, cover it loosely, and heat in short bursts—about 30 seconds at a time—stirring in between until warmed. But trust me, the skillet method brings back that lovely texture and flavor that we all love!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful spaghetti with garlic and oil! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This dish is not only satisfying and delicious, but it’s also a fantastic vegetarian option that brings lots of flavors without a heavy calorie load. Enjoy your meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta work beautifully with this garlic and oil sauce.
How can I make it vegan?
This spaghetti with garlic and oil is already vegan-friendly! Just make sure to skip any cheese toppings, or use a vegan cheese alternative if you’d like that extra cheesy flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of each clove, but remember—it won’t have the same robust flavor as fresh garlic!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prep your ingredients ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and make the garlic oil when you’re ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
How do I spice it up more?
If you’re looking for extra heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce when you’re tossing the spaghetti. You could also sauté some sliced chili peppers with the garlic for a fresh kick!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your adventures in making spaghetti with garlic and oil! Did you try any of my variations? Maybe you added a twist of lemon or threw in some veggies? Whatever it is, drop a comment below and share your experience! Your thoughts not only brighten my day but also inspire fellow cooks looking to make this simple yet delicious dish.
If you loved this recipe, give it a rating! It really helps others find this gem of a dish. And hey, don’t keep all this tasty goodness to yourself—share it with your friends and family! Let’s spread the love for homemade spaghetti with garlic and oil!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, visit this Serious Eats guide.
And if you’re interested in more Italian recipes, check out this BBC Good Food collection.
Z nadrukami
Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil: 7 Soul-Warming Flavors
- Całkowity Czas: 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 2 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Simple spaghetti dish with garlic and oil.
Składniki
- 200g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 60ml olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instrukcje
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until garlic is golden.
- Drain spaghetti and add to the pan.
- Toss to coat spaghetti in garlic oil.
- Add salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 400
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: spaghetti, garlic, oil, Italian, pasta
