Shelly's Recipe

SPAGHETTI ALLA CARRETTIERA

Category: Pasta

1 lb spaghetti
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Hot chili pepper flakes to taste
1/2 cup toasted bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 salt. Cook the spaghetti until al dente.

In the meantime, heat the oil in a saute pan over moderate heat with the garlic and the chili flakes. Cook, stirring for a few minutes until the garlic begins to give off its scent but is not turning brown. Drain the spaghetti, pouring the hot water into your serving bowl. Add the pasta to the saute pan along with a small ladleful (scant 1/4 cup) of the hot pasta water and cook for another minute or two -- just until the water is absorbed. Discard the hot water from your serving bowl and turn the pasta mixture into it. Toss with the bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Garish with the parsley and serve immediately.