Spaghetti With Garlic & Oil

Spaghetti With Garlic & Oil

This classic combination of garlic and oil gives this simple pasta its heady flavor.  Serve with lots of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino-Romano cheese.

INGREDIENTS

16 Ounces Spaghetti

¼ Cup Olive Oil

1 Large Finely Chopped Garlic Clove

1/8 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper (Optional)

¾ Teaspoon Salt

¼ Teaspoon Course Ground Pepper

2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley

In a large stockpot, cook pasta.  Do NOT overcook.  Drain, but do NOT rinse.  Reserve ½ cup cooking water.  Meanwhile in a 1 quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook just until golden, about 1 minute.  Add crushed red pepper and cook 30 seconds longer.  Remove saucepan from heat.  Stir in salt and pepper.  In a warm serving bowl, toss pasta with sauce and parsley.  Use the cooking water to moisten the pasta if necessary.  Serves 6

Easy Add-Ins For Garlic & Oil Sauce

Spaghetti With Garlic & Oil is just the starting point for many delicious possibilities.

1.  Add 4 to 6 coarsely chopped anchovy filets in oil, drained (or 1 to 1 ½ teaspoon anchovy paste), and 2 tablespoons capers, drained to cooked garlic-oil mixture.  Reduce heat and stir until anchovies & break up.  Cook for about 30 seconds.
2. Add ½ cup Gaeta, Kalamata or green Sicilian olives, pitted and chopped to cooked garlic-oil mixture.  Reduce heat and stir until olives are heated through.  Cook for about 1 minute.
3. Add 2 to 3 ounces crumbled & firm goat cheese to tossed pasta.  Toss again.
4. Add 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to pasta with garlic-oil mixture and parsley.  Toss.
5. Substitute 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, oregano, chives or tarragon for parsley.