Garlic Pasta: A Simple Yet Flavorful Recipe
This simple garlic pasta recipe is a weeknight dinner winner. It's quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich garlic flavor is balanced by the freshness of parsley, making it a truly irresistible dish. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up a delicious meal even on a busy day.
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 10-12 cloves garlic, minced (or more, to your liking!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying garlic pasta dish:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps create a creamy sauce.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter. Low and slow is key here!
3. Combine and Simmer:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Season and Garnish:
Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Garlic Lovers Rejoice: Feel free to add more garlic! The more, the merrier (within reason!).
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Boost the Flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish.
- Add Protein: Sauté some shrimp, chicken, or sausage with the garlic for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Option: Add some sauteed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
SEO Keywords:
This recipe is optimized for the following keywords and related semantic terms: garlic pasta, pasta recipe, easy pasta recipe, quick pasta recipe, simple pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, garlic pasta recipe with parsley, best garlic pasta, homemade garlic pasta.
This recipe is designed to be both delicious and easily optimized for search engines. The use of headings, bold text, and a clear, step-by-step format makes it user-friendly and easily digestible. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family, and happy cooking!
