Description
A simple, budget-friendly Italian pasta recipe designed for family cooking, allowing kids to help with safe, easy steps like stirring and crushing garlic without complex knife skills.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) Spaghetti
- 6 cloves Garlic (or 3 tbsp minced)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Cooking Salt (for pasta water)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tbsp salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, peel and crush the garlic cloves using a mortar and pestle or garlic press until finely minced.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add crushed garlic and stir gently until it turns light golden brown (2-3 minutes), being careful not to burn it.
- When pasta is al dente, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss vigorously to create a creamy sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes and parsley, toss again, and taste to adjust seasoning. Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Do not burn the garlic; use medium-low heat. Always save starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. If kids hate spice, omit red pepper flakes or serve separately. This dish is best eaten fresh as it does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: pasta aglio e olio, kid-friendly recipes, easy dinner, budget-friendly meals, family cooking, garlic pasta, weeknight dinner