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- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) If you want to change the pasta, use fettuccine or linguine. You can also try whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. For vegan cheese, try nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese. Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It should smell fruity and taste fresh. Fresh parsley enhances your dish's flavor. Dried parsley works, but fresh gives a bright taste. 1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. 2. Once boiling, add 400g of spaghetti. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, firm but not hard. 3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. 1. In a large skillet, add 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. 2. You want the oil warm, but not smoking. This step is key to avoid burning. 3. Now, add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Sauté until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir often to keep it from burning. 1. After the garlic is browned, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and the zest of 1 lemon. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors. 2. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it well to coat with the garlic oil. 3. If the pasta looks dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water. This helps reach the right texture. 4. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the spaghetti and mix well. Taste and add salt as needed. For a full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your cooking! When making spaghetti aglio e olio, avoid overcooking garlic. Garlic should be golden, not brown. Burnt garlic makes the dish taste bitter. Using too much salt can ruin the meal. Add salt little by little. Taste as you go to find the right balance. You can boost flavor by adding fresh herbs. Basil or oregano can add nice notes. Consider a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper for extra heat. For toppings, try adding some toasted breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch. Grated lemon zest also brightens the dish. Serve your spaghetti in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy. Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil on top. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley. This adds color and freshness. Pair your spaghetti with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily boost Spaghetti Aglio e Olio by adding a few extra ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Anchovies or capers: These add a salty, umami kick. Simply chop them finely and toss them in with the garlic. - Vegetables like broccoli or spinach: These add color and nutrition. Steam the veggies and mix them into the pasta just before serving. Different regions of Italy each have their own take on this classic dish. Here are a few notable variations: - Differences in preparation across Italy: In Naples, some chefs add a splash of white wine for depth. In other areas, they might use different herbs like basil. - Alternative pasta types: While spaghetti is the most common choice, you can use linguine or fettuccine as well. Each type brings a unique texture. If you have specific dietary needs, don't worry! Here are some easy tweaks: - Gluten-free pasta options: You can find great gluten-free spaghetti made from rice or corn. They cook just as well as regular pasta. - Nut-free and dairy-free substitutions: Instead of Parmesan, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Always check labels to avoid hidden nuts in sauces or oils. These variations and modifications help everyone enjoy this simple and tasty dish. For the full recipe, check out the link above. To keep your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid drying out. Let the pasta cool before sealing the container. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Divide the pasta into portions and place them in freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to bring it back to life. In the fridge, your dish will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If frozen, it can last for up to 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for off smells or mold. If you see either, it's best to toss it out. Enjoy your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with these storage tips for a tasty meal anytime! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple Italian dish. It comes from Naples. The name means spaghetti with garlic and oil. This dish uses few ingredients. It shows that less can be more. Many people enjoy it for its bold flavor. Garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes create a tasty mix. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the spaghetti and garlic oil as usual. Let them cool and store in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat in a pan. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed. This keeps the pasta from drying out. You can serve it with a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds crunch. Garlic bread pairs well, too. For wine, a light white like Pinot Grigio works great. It complements the dish without overpowering it. To make it vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Just ensure all other ingredients are plant-based. This way, you keep all the flavor while staying vegan. Yes, you can use other citrus fruits. Lime adds a nice twist. You can also try orange zest for a sweeter flavor. Each option brings a unique taste to the dish. Just adjust according to your preference. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. In this guide, I covered how to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. We explored needed ingredients, substitutions, and tips for quality. You learned step-by-step cooking and how to combine flavors. I also shared common errors to avoid and some fun variations. Cooking is simple, and this dish shines bright. Try adding your own twist. Enjoy this easy recipe with family or friends!

27. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Discover a delightful twist on a classic favorite with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Lemon Twist! This quick and easy recipe highlights the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon, making it perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that impresses. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Click through to explore this refreshing recipe and wow your taste buds today!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat until warm, but not smoking.

      Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

        Add the red pepper flakes and lemon zest, and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil.

          Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic olive oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached.

            Squeeze the lemon juice over the spaghetti and toss well. Season with salt to taste.

              Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the spaghetti in shallow bowls, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top and garnishing with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant finish.