Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this quick and delightful recipe to life. Feel free to make substitutions where needed, as my mother always believed in improvising with what you have on hand.
- 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water reserved
Instructions
Let’s dive into the process of crafting this delightful dish. As you follow these steps, I hope you feel the warmth and love from my family to yours.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, tossing until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
