Ingredients
Scale
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Substitution Suggestions:
- If you prefer a different pasta shape, feel free to swap it out.
- For a nutty twist, try adding toasted pine nuts.
- For a touch of protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works beautifully.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Remember, as Nonna Rosa would say, the pasta water should taste like the sea.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil, cooking until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the garlic oil.
- If the pasta seems dry, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the Parmesan cheese, tossing until it’s melted and the pasta is well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
