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Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This is the greatest pantry-emergency pasta in the world. Garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and pasta water — that's it, and it genuinely slaps. It sounds too simple to be good, but every person who has eaten it understands why Italians have made it for centuries.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for serving

Method
 

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook slowly, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes until garlic is golden but not browned.
  3. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet along with 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss vigorously over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until a light sauce forms.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Add more pasta water if needed.
  5. Remove from heat, toss with Parmesan, and top with fresh parsley.