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Pasta with Garlic and Oil (Aglio e Olio)

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time45 mins

This is such a great classic dish, and you almost always have the ingredients for it right in your pantry. We always have peeled garlic in our fridge, and we have a few fresh or frozen veggies. That's all you need. And the secret ingredient is the pasta water. Adding that at the end has a crazy amazing impact on the consistency of the dish. Don't forget to save some!

 1 lb Dried pasta of your choice
 ½ cup Olive Oil
 1 Head of Garlic - Minced. At least 12 cloves. (It's a lot, but look at the title of this dish and stop complaining!)It's a lot, but look at the title of this dish and stop complaining!
 ½ tsp Salt
 3 tbsp Fresh Basil (Or 3 tsp dried Italian Seasoning)
 2 tsp Lemon Juice
 ½ tsp Red Pepper FlakesMore to taste
 1 tsp Black Pepper
 ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (For the Table)
 1 Fresh tomato, or some cherry TomatoesThese are optional, but them in a bowl on the table and they make a great topper
Preparing the Oil/Garlic/Herb Mixture
1

In a small skillet or saucepan, heat 3 Tbsp olive oil (not too hot!). Add salt and 2/3 of garlic, then gently saute for 7-8 minutes. Turn off the heat when it gets nice and gold, but not yet brown.

2

WITH THE HEAT OFF, add the remaining olive oil, the remaining garlic, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and herbs. Set aside.

Preparing the Pasta.
3

Boil enough salted water (2 tsp salt) for 1 pound of pasta.

4

Cook pasta according to directions.

5

Just before your drain the pasta, take out 1 to 2 cups of the water and set aside.

6

Drain pasta, then return to pot.

Making It All Happen!
7

Add every last drop of the Garlic/Oil/Herb mixture to the pasta and stir to coat.

8

Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. It will create a looser dish with a nice saucy consistency. Add a little more if you like.

9

Serve onto plates or bowls. Parmesan cheese, fresh ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, fresh chopped tomatoes, and/or freshly chopped basil all make nice toppings here.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 691
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g33%

Saturated Fat 5.1g26%
Cholesterol 13mg5%
Sodium 373mg16%
Potassium 446mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 113.9g38%

Dietary Fiber 15.7g63%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 16.9g34%

Calcium 14%
Iron 8%
Vitamin D 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.