Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Method

• step 1

  In a pot of salted boiling water (1tbsp salt per 1 liter water), cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the package directs). Reserve pasta cooking water.

• step 2

  Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons oil and garlic. Add pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until garlic is very lightly golden, about 5 minutes. (Adjust heat as necessary to keep it gently sizzling.)

• step 3

  Transfer pasta to saucepan along with 2 tbsp pasta water, increase heat to high, and cook, stirring and tossing rapidly, until a creamy, emulsified sauce forms. Remove from heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and stir well to combine. Mix in chopped parsley and serve right away.

• step 4

  This pasta dish is easily modified to different sauces. This includes adding chopped bacon during step 2; adding a splash of white wine and clams; adding halved cherry tomatoes, anchovies and basil; adding sliced mushrooms and truffle oil etc.