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Spelt Spaghetti with Parsley and Garlic Oil

An beautiful and easy pasta dish for weeknight dinners. Spaghetti recipe from the book, Eat this Poem. 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, left whole
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound spaghetti (see note)
  • 1 cup chopped parsley (about 1 lunch)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Vegetarian Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  • Warm the oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the garlic begins to sizzle and turn golden. Swirl it in the pan a few times before removing it from the stove to let it continue infusing.
    If the garlic burns, begin again.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it liberally before sliding the pasta in. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. Pour the pasta back into the pot and drizzle in the reserved oil, discarding the garlic cloves. Toss to combine. Add the parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. If the pasta seems dry after adding the cheese, add the reserved cooking liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, and toss to coat. The spaghetti should glisten a bit, but it should not be dripping with oil. Serve with additional cheese grated on top, if desired.

Notes

Tips & Tricks: I made this with homemade spelt pasta and it was a wonderful, fresh meal.

Stock up: get the pantry ingredients you will need: Pasta, Olive Oil, Parsley

Link: Recipe reprinted with permission from the book Eat this Poem.