Simple 7-Ingredient Recipe

Sunlit Lemon-Garlic Pasta

A bright, quick dish using seven common pantry staples.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine, then season with salt and black pepper.
4. Return the drained pasta to the pot or transfer to the skillet. Toss to coat in the lemon-garlic oil. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to emulsify the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
5. Stir in the red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Prep time: ~5 minutes Cook time: ~15 minutes Total time: ~20 minutes