Easy Pepper Basil Spaghetti

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Easy Pepper Basil Spaghetti recipe, a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s both quick to make and irresistibly delicious. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a silky blend of extra virgin olive oil, sautéed garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper, creating a simple yet sophisticated base. A generous handful of fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note, while parmesan cheese lends a creamy, savory finish. Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish, this pasta dish is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Customize with a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a zesty kick, and serve it as a light main or an elegant side dish. Perfect for easy weeknight meals or casual entertaining, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 50 grams parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 4 liters water

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.

Step 2

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

While the spaghetti is cooking, thinly slice the garlic cloves and set them aside.

Step 4

Heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 6

Add 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.

Step 7

Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.

Step 8

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and black pepper. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the oil.

Step 9

Gradually add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce and help it coat the spaghetti evenly.

Step 10

Add the fresh basil leaves to the skillet and toss until they are wilted, about 1 minute.

Step 11

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. If using, sprinkle red chili flakes for a hint of spice.

Step 12

Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and garnish with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4606.8 grams (4606.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1347

Total Fat 74.40g	95%
Saturated Fat 17.90g	89%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 2811mg	122%
Total Carbohydrate 133.30g	48%
Dietary Fiber 9.70g	35%
Total Sugars 3.80g
Protein 41.20g	82%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 799mg	61%
Iron 9mg	49%
Potassium 361mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.0%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 39.0%