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- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil Spaghetti is the star of this dish. Use good quality spaghetti for the best taste. Garlic adds a strong flavor. It should be sliced thin for even cooking. Olive oil gives a rich base and helps the garlic shine. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped Red pepper flakes add heat. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. Lemon zest and juice provide a fresh kick. They brighten the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and a nice herb flavor. - Salt to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Salt enhances all the flavors. Add it to your liking. Parmesan cheese is optional but gives a creamy touch. It pairs well with the garlic and oil sauce. This simple combination makes a dish that is both easy and delicious. For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water; it should taste like the sea. Place the pot on high heat and bring it to a rapid boil. Once the water is boiling, add 400g of spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Al dente means the pasta is firm but cooked through. Before draining, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Pour in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil heats up, add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it turns golden, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it; burning garlic spoils the flavor. When the garlic is fragrant and golden, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir it all for 30 seconds to let the oil soak up the heat from the flakes. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic and oil. Then, add the reserved pasta water, the zest of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir everything together well. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps the spaghetti soak up all those wonderful flavors. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and mix in ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt to your taste. If you like, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish! To get the best flavor in your spaghetti aglio e olio, start with high-quality olive oil. Heat the oil slowly to infuse it with garlic. Add the sliced garlic to the cold oil and then heat it over medium. This method helps the garlic release its flavor without burning. For spice, use red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you cook. You can always add more if you like it hotter. Cooking spaghetti al dente is key. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions, but taste it a minute before it's done. When you drain the spaghetti, save some pasta water. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Add a little at a time when mixing everything together to get the desired creaminess. Presentation matters! Plate the spaghetti in a large dish. You can twirl it into nests for a fancy look. Garnish with extra parsley for color. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds flair too. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side. It adds freshness and a pop of color. You can also add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich finish. For more detailed instructions, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio even better by adding protein. Shrimp is a great option. Just peel and devein the shrimp. Sauté them in the olive oil with the garlic. Cook until they turn pink, then toss them with the spaghetti. It adds a nice flavor and texture. If you prefer chicken, you can use it too. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces. Season them lightly and cook in the olive oil until golden. Mix it in with the spaghetti for a hearty meal. Adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the dish. Spinach or kale work well. Just add a handful to the skillet when you sauté the garlic. Let them wilt before adding the spaghetti. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. Mushrooms are another tasty add-in. Slice them and cook with the garlic in the oil. They bring a rich flavor to the dish. Toss them in with the spaghetti for extra depth. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands taste great and cook well. Just follow the package instructions for the best results. For vegan adaptations, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It also adds a nice boost of nutrients. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! After you finish your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it, just reheat it gently. To keep the flavors, add a splash of olive oil. Stir it well before serving. Avoid using a microwave if you can. A skillet works better for even heating. You can freeze Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, but some flavors may change. Cool the pasta completely. Put it in a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. When ready, reheat it in a skillet. Add a little olive oil and water if needed. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio will last about three days in the fridge. If you freeze it, aim to use it within three months. Look for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or has a strange color, throw it away. Fresh food is always best! Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple Italian pasta dish. It uses just a few key ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. This dish is quick to make and full of flavor. The garlic adds a rich taste, while the chili flakes give it a nice kick. To add more heat, try these tips: - Use more red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. - Add fresh sliced chili peppers. They bring a fresh, vibrant heat. - Try a dash of hot sauce. It can intensify the spice level. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan. Here are some suggestions for substitutions: - Replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. - Use a plant-based oil if you prefer. - Ensure that any added sauces, like hot sauce, are vegan-friendly. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh side salad with mixed greens and lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread to complement the garlic flavor. - Roasted vegetables for a healthy side option. For the complete list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, check out the Full Recipe. This dish, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, shines with simple ingredients like spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. By adding fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, you boost flavors easily. Follow the steps I shared to cook perfectly al dente spaghetti and achieve rich flavors. Explore variations with protein or veggies to make it your own. Remember, the best meals come from simple starts. You can adjust storage methods for leftovers too, ensuring a tasty dish each time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Elevate your dinner game with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Zesty Twist! This quick and easy recipe mixes garlic, red pepper flakes, and a burst of lemon flavor to create a delightful dish that's perfect for any occasion. In just 20 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with a delicious meal. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your next meal simply unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it's golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it (about 2-3 minutes).

      Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and oil. Let it cook for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil with heat.

        Toss in the drained spaghetti into the skillet, followed by the reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mixing everything together, let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.

          Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt to taste.

            If desired, serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Plate the spaghetti in a large serving dish, garnishing with additional parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color. Consider adding a lemon wedge on the side for an appealing touch.