Spaghetti with garlic and parsley is a classic recipe that combines simplicity, flavor, and speed. With just a few ingredients, which you probably already have in your pantry, you can prepare a comforting dish in just a few minutes.
Below, we present an improved version of this recipe, along with helpful tips to ensure your spaghetti is perfectly flavored and delicious.
Ingredients
To prepare spaghetti with garlic and parsley for 2-3 people, you will need:
- 225 grams of spaghetti (or other type of pasta of your choice)
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional:
- Pasta cooking water (to adjust texture)
- Salt (if necessary, depending on the cheese used)
Step by Step Procedure
1. Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a generous pinch of salt.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, making sure to leave it al dente (cooked, but firm to the bite).
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of the cooking water before draining it.
Tip: If you prefer to save time, you can also use pre-cooked pasta, although freshly made pasta always provides better flavor and texture.
2. Prepare the garlic and parsley sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes , stirring constantly to prevent over-browning, as this could give a bitter taste.
Tip: If you want a more sophisticated touch, add a pinch of ground chili or chili flakes for a mild spicy touch.
3. Mix the pasta with the sauce
- Once the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned, add the cooked spaghetti to the pan.
- Mix well so that the paste is coated with the garlic oil.
- Add the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and mix again.
Tip: If the pasta seems too dry, adjust the consistency by adding a little of the reserved cooking water. This will help bind the ingredients and create a smoother, creamier sauce.
4. Serve and decorate
- Remove the pan from the heat and serve the spaghetti immediately.
- Garnish with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh parsley to enhance the flavors.
Tips and Variations to Personalize the Recipe
- Change the pasta to suit your taste: While spaghetti is ideal for this recipe, you can also use short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Add protein: If you want to make a more filling dish, add ingredients like grilled chicken pieces, sauteed shrimp, or even crispy bacon.
- Add vegetables: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach are great additions to add color and flavor to your dish.
- Add a splash of white wine: For a more sophisticated flavor, pour in a splash of dry white wine while sautéing the garlic. Let the alcohol evaporate before adding the pasta.
- Avoid excess salt: Remember that Parmesan cheese already adds saltiness to the dish. Taste the pasta before adding additional salt.
- Make it creamier: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or a little butter at the end of preparation.
What to Serve with Spaghetti with Garlic and Parsley?
This dish is so versatile that you can pair it with a variety of side dishes and drinks:
- Homemade Garlic Bread: Ideal to accompany and take advantage of the garlic flavors in the recipe.
- Fresh salad: A salad of arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes is a great addition.
- White wine: A dry or sparkling white wine pairs perfectly with the flavors of garlic and parsley.
Tricks to Achieve the Best Result
- Use a good olive oil: Oil is one of the main ingredients, so be sure to choose an extra virgin quality.
- Don’t burn the garlic: The secret to perfect flavor is to sauté the garlic over medium heat and remove it from the pan before it turns brown.
- Use fresh parsley: Dried parsley will not provide the same flavor or freshness as freshly chopped parsley.
- Always reserve cooking water: This liquid contains starch from the pasta, which helps create a creamier sauce and better bind the ingredients.
Spaghetti with garlic and parsley is a timeless classic. Its simplicity, speed, and delicious flavor make it an ideal choice for quick and tasty meals.
With a few basic ingredients and a few practical tips, you can prepare a dish worthy of any Italian restaurant. Feel free to customize the recipe to your tastes and enjoy a comforting meal in just minutes.
Enjoy!
