One of the easiest pasta recipes that you can make is a classic and versatile dish called spaghetti aglio e olio. It requires just a few basic ingredients and can be prepared quickly. Here's a simple recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the pasta water.
Prepare the sauce: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Toss the pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water gradually while tossing until you reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve: Transfer the spaghetti aglio e olio to serving plates. You can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
This simple recipe allows you to enjoy a flavorful pasta dish with minimal effort. Feel free to customize it by adding ingredients like sautéed vegetables, cooked shrimp, or sliced chicken for variation.