Spaghetti garlic oil pasta (Printer-Friendly)

Easy spaghetti tossed with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a satisfying Italian meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz spaghetti

→ Oil and Flavoring

02 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
03 - 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Liquid

05 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

→ Optional Garnishes

06 - Shaved Parmesan cheese
07 - Chopped fresh parsley
08 - Sun-dried tomatoes
09 - Lemon juice or zest

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
02 - While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic turns light golden brown, carefully avoiding burning by stirring frequently and monitoring closely.
03 - Once spaghetti is cooked and drained using tongs, transfer it to a larger pot with the garlic oil mixture. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the water evaporates and flavors meld.
04 - Taste and add salt or additional red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Keep a close eye on the garlic while sautéing to ensure it becomes golden brown without burning for optimal flavor.
02 - Salt the pasta water well to enhance the overall seasoning of the dish.
03 - Prep all ingredients before cooking to maintain smooth workflow and prevent burning garlic.