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Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe Under 2 Dollars Perfect for Budget Meals

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A simple, budget-friendly Italian pasta dish made with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for quick, comforting meals under $2 per serving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 grams) spaghetti
  • 6 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt, for pasta water and to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts (4 liters) of water. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Taste a strand to confirm it’s tender but still firm. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and stir gently. Toast the garlic slowly for about 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Add the red pepper flakes to the garlic oil, stirring for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
  4. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with garlic and oil. Toss well to coat every strand. If it seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley if using.
  6. Serve hot, with an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. A squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness if desired.

Notes

Use fresh garlic sliced thinly for best flavor and even cooking. Toast garlic slowly over medium-low heat to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to noodles. Toss pasta immediately after draining. Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level. Garlic oil sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti aglio e olio, easy pasta recipe, budget meals, garlic pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta, simple ingredients

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