Perfect pasta

🍝 Perfect pasta Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

⏱ Time: 15–20 minutes
💰 Cost per serving: 30–40 MAD
🍽 Servings: 2
🥄 Difficulty: Easy

---

🛒 Ingredients

• 200g (about 7 oz) spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tbsp)
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional for freshness)
• Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional but recommended)

---

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add sliced garlic and sauté gently until golden and fragrant (not brown!).
   • Add red chili flakes and stir for 10–15 seconds.
3. Combine Everything
   • Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.
   • Toss with the garlic oil and gradually add reserved pasta water (1–2 tbsp at a time) to create a glossy coating and help coat the noodles evenly.
4. Finish the Dish
   • Add chopped parsley, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper.
   • Toss well and serve immediately. Top with grated cheese if desired.
   • Perfect pasta is better eaten hot and fresh. Can be Microwaved later but doesn’t taste the same after.

---

💡 Tips

• Don’t burn the garlic – Cook on low heat to avoid bitterness.
• Balance the chili – Start small and adjust to your heat preference.
• Use good olive oil – This dish relies on quality ingredients since it’s so simple.
• Pasta water is gold – It helps create a light, silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
• Add-ins: Try it with sautéed mushrooms, shrimp, or spinach to make it heartier.
• Flavor boost: A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness.
• Use whole wheat or high-protein pasta for a fitness-friendly version.
• Add steamed spinach or blended zucchini to sneak in veggies without changing the taste.