Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, infused with aromatic garlic and vibrant fresh herbs that transport you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy. This Garlicky Pasta with Fresh Green Herbs is not just a meal, it's a quick culinary escape that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this recipe will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, and chives), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the herb and garlic sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water.
- Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss the pasta to coat evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and immediately add the chopped fresh herbs. Toss thoroughly to distribute the herbs throughout the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for added heat.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired. The pasta is best enjoyed hot, right after preparation.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta from the inside out.
- Never rinse your pasta after cooking; the starchy water helps the sauce cling better.
- Use the freshest herbs possible for maximum flavor impact.
- Keep some pasta water reserved - its starchy nature helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Cook garlic on low heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Toss pasta in the sauce immediately after cooking to help it absorb maximum flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
