The back-pocket recipe I turn to when I have no idea what to make for dinner.

Traditionally its just spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil.

The garlic infuses the oil, which coats each strand of spaghetti with robust flavor.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with garlic

Simply Recipes / Molly Adams

Add the olives, parsley, and wine, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the drained pasta along with 1 cup of the reserved pasta water.

Add more water as needed.

Ingredients to make a 15-minute pasta

Simply Recipes / Molly Adams

Finish with black pepper and a sprinkle of salt to taste.

The key to making the most delicious version of this recipe is to be very patient with the garlic.

You want to cook it over very low heat to ensure that the garlic infuses the oil without burning.

pasta in a white bowl

Simply Recipes / Molly Adams

Burnt garlic is bitter, and it will ruin the sauce.

Will you have garlic breath after eating this?

Will it be worth it?