Pasta with Garlic Oil

Ingredients

• •8 oz spaghetti
• •3 tbsp olive oil
• •1 tsp garlic powder
• •1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• •1/2 tsp salt
• •1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. Do not let the garlic powder burn. You want it fragrant, not dark.

3. 3

   Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic oil.

4. 4

   Toss the pasta in the oil, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles. The starchy water is what makes it glossy and cohesive.

5. 5

   Season with salt and pepper. Toss again and serve immediately.