Aglio e olio

I think by the time one graduates high school, everyone should know how to cook 4 dishes:

1. your favorite meal (so that you don't have to rely on anyone else to make you happy)
2. an inexpensive and relaxed menu for having a few friends over
3. something impressive suitable for special occasions
4. something you can throw together quickly and with minimal effort at the end of a long day so that you don't spend your life eating crappy take-out

This is my #4.  All the ingredients are pantry or freezer staples (freeze whole peeled garlic cloves), except the fresh herbs which can be left out if none are available. 

Aglio e olio
Makes 4 servings

1 lb. pasta (whatever type you like)
4 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, sliced
pinch of red pepper flakes
Optional: 1 can anchovies, sardines or tuna, drained and chopped
handful of chopped fresh herbs
parmesan cheese to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water before draining pasta.

Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.  Saute garlic, red pepper flake and optional anchovies/tuna/sardines until garlic is lightly browned and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.  Add pasta water, if desired. 

Toss hot pasta with sauce and cook over medium heat 1 minute.  Add herbs and cheese to serve. Pin It