Spaghetti with Garlic and Cumin
Elevate your pasta night with this quick and flavorful Spaghetti with Garlic and Cumin recipe—a simple yet bold dish that brings earthy, aromatic spices to a classic comfort food. Perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti is tossed in a golden, garlicky olive oil infused with the warm depth of ground cumin and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. A pop of fresh parsley and zesty lemon zest brightens every bite, making it a standout choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is a testament to the power of pantry staples and minimal effort. Whether you’re seeking a vegetarian main course or a crowd-pleasing side, this spaghetti recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 whole garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (approximately 8-10 minutes).
While the spaghetti cooks, peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the ground cumin and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and cumin mixture. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the flavored oil.
Gradually add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, to help create a light sauce that clings to the spaghetti. Stir gently as you add the pasta water.
Season the dish with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the spaghetti with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Serve immediately, while warm, enjoying the subtle spice and brightness of this simple dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1046 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.6 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2374 mg | 103% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.6 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 24.9 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 105 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 369 mg | 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.
