Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup pasta cooking water
• Optional: Vegan Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the spaghetti.

2. Prepare the Garlic and Oil:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
   • Add the red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil.
   • Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water and toss well to coat the spaghetti in the sauce.
   • Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add Parsley and Season:

   • Remove the skillet from heat.
   • Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the spaghetti aglio e olio immediately, garnished with additional parsley and vegan Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips

• Garlic Cooking: Watch the garlic closely as it cooks to prevent it from burning. The goal is to achieve a light golden color.
• Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
• Adjusting Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.

This simple yet flavorful spaghetti aglio e olio is a classic Italian dish that relies on high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Enjoy this easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner!