Classic Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
-12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves, finely minced - Zest of lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/ cup Parmesan cheese
/ cup chopped fresh - Salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional: ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Bring a large of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking water, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to. using red pepper flakes, add them now.
- Toss the hot pasta the. Parmesan cheese and parsley, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the pasta water a little at a time until creamy.
5 Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with extra parsley and cheese if desired.
Tips
- Emphasize brightness with lemon for tangier sauce.
- For a creamier texture, in splash of heavy cream or spoonful of ricotta.
- grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal### Variations
- Herb twist: swap for basil or dill for a different aroma.
- Nut finish sprinkle toasted pine over the top.
###itional snapshot (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: g
Serving suggestions
- Pair with crisp green salad and a glass of wine for a light, dinner.