Description
Garlic parmesan spaghetti brings together classic Italian flavors in a simple, comforting dish. Creamy parmesan and aromatic garlic create a quick meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 6–8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Boiling Preparation: Flood a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Immerse spaghetti, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm. Extract and reserve one cup of starchy liquid before draining.
- Aromatic Infusion: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Add garlic, transforming it to a delicate golden hue while stirring continuously to prevent burning. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, allowing them to release their vibrant essence briefly.
- Sauce Composition: Introduce cooked pasta to the fragrant oil, ensuring each strand becomes lavishly coated. Incorporate reserved pasta water, crafting a velvety sauce that embraces the noodles with luxurious intensity.
- Flavor Refinement: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat, then generously scatter chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese across the surface.
- Serving Finale: Transfer to warmed plates immediately. Optional: Enhance with a zesty lemon squeeze, providing a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich, garlicky foundation.
Notes
- Prevent Garlic Burning: Watch the garlic closely and stir continuously to achieve a golden color without scorching, which can create an unpleasant bitter taste.
- Pasta Water Magic: Save the starchy pasta water as a secret weapon for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that helps ingredients cling perfectly to the spaghetti.
- Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance – use less for mild flavor or more for a spicier kick that adds exciting depth to the dish.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle Parmesan off the heat to prevent overcooking, allowing the residual warmth to gently melt the cheese and create a creamy, luxurious finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg