Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite long pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Substitutions: If you don’t have Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano works beautifully too. For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese and add toasted pine nuts or nutritional yeast for that umami touch. You can swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta based on preference.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 quarts of water—this seasons the pasta beautifully from within.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Remember, Mama Lou always said “Al dente means with a little bite, just like life.”
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic to the oil. Cook gently, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden—about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic is bitter and Mama Lou would’ve scolded me!
- If you like a bit of spice, stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic and oil. Toss gently to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the oil cling to the noodles and create a light emulsion.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, it’s easier to add more later than to fix a dish that’s too salty!
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and chopped parsley. If you’re using lemon zest, add it here for a fresh, vibrant note.
- Serve immediately. I often think back to family dinners where we’d gather around the table, sharing stories and this simple pasta, feeling rich with love and connection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
