Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7 oz) spaghetti
- ⅔ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
For the “Sizzle” Topping:
- A handful of extra garlic slices
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
- Optional: 1 anchovy fillet (for added umami)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. - Prep Garlic & Herbs:
While pasta cooks, thinly slice garlic and chop fresh herbs. Prepare the sizzle topping ingredients. - Infuse the Oil:
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and red pepper flakes. Cook gently until garlic is golden but not browned (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat. - Combine Pasta & Seasonings:
In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta with parsley, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using. - Make It Sizzle:
Carefully pour the hot infused oil over the pasta mixture. You should hear a sizzle as the hot oil “cooks” the herbs and garlic. Toss well to combine. - Add Topping & Serve:
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve immediately while hot and sizzling.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic thinly sliced for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t let the garlic brown or burn, as it will taste bitter.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.
- Add extra chili flakes for more heat or omit for a milder version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about half the recipe)
- Calories: ~680 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: viral pasta recipe, garlic spaghetti, spicy pasta, easy pasta dish