Spaghetti Oil & Garlic Recipe
Make Spaghetti Oil & Garlic Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & cooking liquids
Oil & aromatics
Finishing & garnish
Method
Pasta & cooking liquids
- 1
Bring water to a rolling boil
Fill a large pot with about 4–5 liters (or enough to give the pasta room) of water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat and add 1 tablespoon kosher salt.
- 2
Cook spaghetti
Add 12 oz spaghetti to the boiling, salted water and cook, stirring occasionally, until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining, then drain the pasta.
Oil & aromatics
- 3
Infuse oil with garlic
While the pasta cooks, place 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil and 8 thinly sliced garlic cloves in a large skillet or shallow saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Warm gently so the garlic slowly releases aroma without browning—target 225–250°F if you have a thermometer. Stir occasionally and cook until the garlic is softened and fragrant and just starting to turn pale gold at the edges, about 6–8 minutes. If garlic browns quickly, lower the heat.
- 4
Add heat and seasoning
Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt to the oil and garlic. Stir and cook for 30–45 seconds to bloom the spices. Remove the skillet from the heat briefly if the oil is very hot to avoid scorching the garlic.
- 5
Combine pasta and oil
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet (or return the pasta to the empty pot and pour the garlic oil over it). Toss vigorously to coat. Add up to 1 cup reserved pasta water a little at a time, tossing between additions, until the sauce emulsifies and clings to the pasta—use about 1/4–3/4 cup depending on desired silkiness. If needed, return the pan to low heat and toss for 30–60 seconds to finish the emulsion.
Finishing & garnish
- 6
Add parsley and adjust seasoning
Stir in 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon lemon zest (if using). Taste and adjust salt and pepper; add more reserved pasta water or a splash more olive oil if the dish seems dry.
- 7
Serve
Divide the spaghetti among warm bowls. Offer freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino at the table for sprinkling. Serve immediately.