Thin Spaghetti with Garlic, Red Pepper and Olive Oil

Some days I need quick and easy. And some days I need a flavorful side to go with chicken or salmon. And other days, well, i just want pasta! My favorite recipes are ones that have few ingredients, but come out tasting like you spent a lot of time or brain cells on them. I introduce to you, Thin Spaghetti with Garlic, Red Pepper and Olive Oil.  Don't you just love recipe names that spell out exactly what's in them!? LOL  Whatever happened to surprises? Shouldn't this have some sort of cute name like Zippy Spaghetti? Spaghetti with a Twist? Aunt Joan's Crazy Noodles? (I don't have an Aunt Joan, FYI)

Onward...

You only need pasta, olive oil, garlic, red chili pepper flakes, parsley and Parmesan cheese for this one folks! If you have a mandolin, this would be a good time to dust it off and use it to cut the garlic into thin, even slices. Watch those digits!

This is a Barilla recipe I found on allrecipes.com, my fave recipe site. Give it a try, I think you'll like it too! It's easily customizable for even the pickiest eaters. Personally, I added more garlic and red pepper, but tailor to your own preferences by omitting the pepper or substituting other fresh herbs. Tons of possibilities here!

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Thin Spaghetti with Garlic, Red Pepper and Olive Oil

by Barilla June-22-2014

Thin spaghetti tossed with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes and grated cheese makes a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 box (16oz) thin spaghetti
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated or shredded

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, saving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, parsley and red pepper flakes; sauté 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Immediately add hot pasta to skillet. Stir in reserved pasta cooking water. Mix well. Add cheese and toss lightly.
4. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl.

Details

Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 20 mins Yield: 4 servings