Dish Name: Golden Garlic Butter Pasta

This dish transforms humble pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal. It’s comforting, aromatic, and incredibly simple.

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The 7 Ingredients:

1. Pasta (Spaghetti or Linguine work best)
2. Olive Oil
3. Butter (Salted)
4. Garlic (Fresh cloves, minced)
5. Red Pepper Flakes
6. Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
7. Salt (for the pasta water)

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Instructions:

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Crucial step: Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
2. Infuse the Oil: While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn it!).
4. Emulsify: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in a splash (about 2–3 tablespoons) of the reserved pasta water.
5. Toss and Finish: Toss the pasta vigorously with tongs so the butter, water, and garlic create a silky sauce that coats the noodles.
6. Cheesy Goodness: Remove from heat and stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese. If the pasta looks too dry, add another splash of the reserved pasta water until glossy.
7. Serve: Plate immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

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Estimated Time:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes