Garlic pasta with Parmesan (Printable)
Simple pasta tossed in fragrant garlic oil, Parmesan, and fresh parsley for an easy Italian main.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz spaghetti
02 - 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
→ Sauce
03 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
04 - 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
05 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
10 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
11 - Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Avoid burning the garlic.
03 - Add red pepper flakes if desired, along with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
04 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with garlic oil. Gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen and emulsify the sauce to desired consistency.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice if using. Toss until the cheese melts and the sauce is glossy.
06 - Plate immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It's effortlessly flavorful, like sharing a delicious secret with friends over a relaxed dinner.
- The balance of garlic and Parmesan became an instant favorite that anyone can master.
02 -
- Never let the garlic burn; it turns bitter and ruins the whole dish, so watch it carefully as it cooks.
- Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and perfect every time.
03 -
- Use a heavy skillet for even heat distribution to avoid garlic hot spots.
- Saving pasta water turns this simple sauce into a luscious coating that feels restaurant-worthy.