Ingredients
Scale
Gathering ingredients for this dish is a breeze, and you might already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of one lemon (optional for brightness)
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t fret. Swap the spaghetti for penne or fusilli, or use dried herbs if fresh parsley isn’t available. The essence of this recipe is its adaptability, a lesson I learned from Mama Lou, who could turn the simplest of ingredients into a feast.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring this quick and delightful dish to life:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 4 minutes for fresh or as directed on the package for dried.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil with a hint of spice.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water. Add the pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of lemon zest adds a refreshing twist.
As you prepare this dish, remember Mama Lou’s words: “Cook with love, and it will always taste better.” Every stir, every sprinkle is a step closer to a meal that connects us with our roots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International