Recipe: Spaghetti with Garlicky Bread Crumbs

SPAGHETTI WITH GARLICKY BREAD CRUMBS

1/2 pound spaghetti
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs*
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling, salted water until tender, 8 to 9 minutes. Drain, but leave some water clinging to the pasta.

In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until the crumbs are golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl, leaving most of the oil in the pan.

Add the garlic to the frying pan and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper and remove from heat.

Add the pasta to the frying pan and toss. Add the bread crumbs and toss well. Adjust seasonings and serve immediately.

*Use ready-made bread crumbs for the utmost speed, but if you have a few spare minutes and a loaf of excellent bread left over, recycle it into a supply for your pantry. Toast bread slices until quite dry, crush or grate them into crumbs and store airtight in a glass jar.

Servings: 4
Adapted from source: The 5 in 10 Pasta Cookbook by Nancie McDermott