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Quick Emergency Pantry Pasta with Garlic Oil and Chili Flakes

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A simple, fast, and flavorful pasta dish made with pantry staples like pasta, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. Perfect for busy nights or when the fridge is nearly empty.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or any long pasta
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 to 5 fresh garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, or to taste
  • Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
  • A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts (4 liters) of water. Cook 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup (60 ml) of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 to 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden and fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes to the garlic oil and stir for 30 seconds to release their flavor. Adjust heat to taste.
  4. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  6. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using.
  7. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Keep the heat low when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness. Use tongs to gently toss pasta with garlic oil to prevent breaking the strands. Save some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Adjust chili flakes to taste. Fresh garlic is preferred for best flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pasta, pantry pasta, garlic oil pasta, chili flakes pasta, easy dinner, fast pasta recipe, simple pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/quick-emergency-pantry-pasta-recipe-with-garlic-oil-and-chili-flakes-perfect-for-busy-nights/