Simple and budget-friendly, this Garlic Spaghetti is perfect for busy weeknights, using ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Pair it with some bread and veggies, and dinner is sorted.
If you’re a fan of spaghetti, give these recipes a try: Baked Spaghetti or Easy Spaghetti Meat Sauce. This meat-free option is a personal favorite of mine.
This garlic pasta is wonderfully uncomplicated and relies on pantry staples. Basil might be the only ingredient you need to grab, especially if it’s not summer and you don’t have any growing. Otherwise, everything else is usually on hand.
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It’s not just easy, it’s also a handy recipe for those evenings when you’re stuck on what to whip up for dinner.
Garlic spaghetti recipe video
Garlic spaghetti ingredients and instructions:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti to the pot and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Oil
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add Flavor
If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Mix Pasta and Garlic Oil
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to combine, ensuring the spaghetti is well coated with the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Ingredients
Add the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the spaghetti. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until everything is evenly mixed and the cheese is melted into the pasta.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the garlic spaghetti, garnish with a bit fresher parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, garlicky flavors!
This simple yet delicious garlic spaghetti is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish to your favorite protein. Enjoy.
Garlic spaghetti nutrition information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| – Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| – Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Vitamin C | 10% |
| Calcium | 15% |
| Iron | 8% |
Garlic spaghetti health benefits:
- Moderate in Calories: With only 350 calories per serving, this garlic spaghetti is a lighter option compared to many other pasta dishes, making it suitable for those watching their calorie intake.
- Good Source of Carbohydrates: The spaghetti provides a significant amount of carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help improve heart health when consumed in moderation.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This dish contains vitamins C and iron from the parsley, contributing to immune function and healthy blood production.
- Protein: With 10 grams of protein per serving, this pasta dish can contribute to muscle repair and satiety.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover garlic spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While you can freeze cooked pasta, the texture may change upon thawing, so it’s not recommended for this dish.
Garlic spaghetti reheat and reuse instructions:
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the refrigerated garlic spaghetti for 1-2 minutes until heated through, or heat it in a skillet on the stove over medium heat.
- Refreshing: If the pasta seems dry upon reheating, add a splash of olive oil or a spoonful of reserved pasta water to moisten it.
- Customization: Feel free to add additional fresh herbs, vegetables, or protein when reheating to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying garlic spaghetti!
Tips and Tricks:
- Keep an eye on the garlic and oil temperature; even the lowest setting on some burners might be too hot. If needed, switch to a smaller burner to maintain a lower temperature.
- If the garlic starts cooking too quickly, remove the pan from the heat for a minute before returning it to the stove.
- Save a mug of pasta water when draining the pasta. If the sauce needs to be thinned out, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Enhance the dish with fresh basil or other herbs when serving. Chopped parsley or any favorite herbs can add a burst of freshness.
- For a touch of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when the garlic is nearly done cooking.
FAQ’s
Q. When to add garlic to spaghetti?
When it comes to adding garlic to spaghetti, timing is key to unlocking its full flavor potential. Start by sautéing minced or thinly sliced garlic in olive oil at the beginning of your cooking process. Do this over medium heat, allowing the garlic to gently infuse the oil with its aromatic essence without burning. This creates a flavorful base for your sauce.
If you’re making a simple garlic and oil pasta (aglio e olio), you’ll add the garlic right at the start and let it turn golden before tossing in your cooked spaghetti. For more complex sauces, like marinara or Bolognese, add the garlic after your onions have softened but before introducing tomatoes or other main ingredients. This way, the garlic melds beautifully with the other flavors, enhancing your spaghetti with its delightful aroma and taste. Remember, the goal is to let the garlic complement the dish, adding depth without overpowering it.
Q. What is the secret to good spaghetti?
The secret to good spaghetti lies in a few simple yet crucial steps that elevate this beloved dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
– First, start with quality ingredients. Use high-quality pasta, ripe tomatoes, fresh garlic, and good olive oil. These elements form the foundation of a delicious spaghetti dish.
– Second, cook the pasta properly. Ensure you cook it al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. This helps the spaghetti maintain its texture and absorb the sauce better. Be sure to salt the water generously; it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
– Next, make a flavorful sauce. Whether it’s a classic marinara, a rich Bolognese, or a simple aglio e olio, let the ingredients shine. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant, use fresh herbs, and let the sauce simmer to meld the flavors together.
– Finally, don’t forget to marry the pasta and sauce properly. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce, allowing it to cook together for a minute or two. This helps the pasta absorb the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated with deliciousness.
– A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful of chopped fresh basil, and a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can add the final touch. With these tips, your spaghetti will be a delightful, satisfying dish every time.
Q. How many cloves of garlic for spaghetti?
The amount of garlic you use for spaghetti can vary depending on your personal taste and the type of dish you’re preparing. For a standard serving of spaghetti for four people, using about 2 to 4 cloves of garlic is a good starting point.
If you’re making a simple garlic and oil pasta, you might want to use more, perhaps 4 to 6 cloves, to really let the garlic flavor shine. For a marinara or other tomato-based sauce, 2 to 3 cloves should suffice, providing a balanced flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ultimately, the right amount of garlic is a matter of personal preference. If you love the robust flavor of garlic, don’t be afraid to add an extra clove or two. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler taste, you can use a bit less. Adjusting to your taste ensures your spaghetti dish is perfectly suited to your palate.
Q. Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic for pasta sauce?
Yes, you can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for pasta sauce, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Garlic powder is a convenient substitute and can add a similar flavor to your sauce, although it won’t have the same depth and aroma as fresh garlic.
If you decide to use garlic powder, start with about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for a sauce that serves four people. You can always add more if you want a stronger garlic flavor. Since garlic powder is more concentrated than fresh garlic, a little goes a long way.
To get the best results, add the garlic powder at the beginning of cooking your sauce, letting it bloom in the oil or alongside other spices. This helps to release its flavors and integrate them well into the sauce.
While fresh garlic offers a more robust and complex taste, garlic powder is a handy alternative that can still make your pasta sauce delicious and satisfying.