Midnight Pasta Aglio e Olio
Recipe
Italian

Midnight Pasta Aglio e Olio

Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 people
Date Night Weeknight Comfort

The Story

After a double shift, I walk in the door at midnight. This is what I cook. It takes 15 minutes and tastes like someone cared.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup good olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Parmesan (optional)
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti in well-salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.

  2. Build the sauce: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium-low. Add garlic. Cook slowly until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Add pepper flakes.

  3. Combine: Add drained pasta to the pan. Toss, adding pasta water gradually until sauce coats the noodles.

  4. Finish: Remove from heat. Add parsley. Toss again.

  5. Serve: Divide between bowls. Parmesan if you want it.

Notes

The only trick is keeping the garlic from burning. Low heat, patience. That’s it.