GARLIC PARMESAN SPAGHETTI
Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is a simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish. It's quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal, and relies on the classic combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for its delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water about 1 cup
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine pasta and garlic: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic-infused oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Parmesan and pasta water: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water, a little at a time, if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to this dish. Use plenty of it!
- Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if possible, as it melts better than pre-grated cheese.
- Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is essential for creating the creamy sauce. The starch in the pasta water helps to emulsify the oil and cheese.
- Don't Overcook Garlic: Burnt garlic will taste bitter. Keep the heat low and watch it carefully.