a note from us
This week’s dinner is a nostalgic one.
Back in the ’90s, there was a little Italian restaurant in Asheville we loved. Mom and I would always order their Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. It was simple but perfect: garlicky, silky, and just the right amount of satisfying without ever feeling too heavy. Years ago, we tried to recreate it at home using a recipe we found online that looked promising… but it wasn’t the same. The magic was missing.
Recently, I thought about that dish again and decided to try making it from memory. No recipe, just instinct. And somehow, it came out exactly like I remembered. One bite and it took me right back to that little table, to laughter, plastic Italian decor and a feeling of ease.
We hope this dish brings a little of that same feeling to your table this summer: light, comforting, and made with love.
Kevin & Kate
Raspberry Bourbon Sour
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Your Weekly Essentials
Everything you’ll need to make this meal pop —plus a few pantry staples you probably already have.
This week’s prompt invites you to reflect on how to bring a little summer retreat energy into your home.
Turn on Lake Street Dive to set the mood—soulful, playful, and perfect for a golden summer dinner at home.
notes from the kitchen
Helpful notes, substitutions, and little things we’ve learned.
1. About the Garlic
We love garlic, so we used around 10 good-sized cloves, but you can absolutely use less if you prefer a milder flavor. Just make sure the garlic is lightly golden and fragrant, not browned or burnt.
2. About the Tomatoes
The cherry tomatoes add a beautiful pop of sweetness and flavor to the pasta. If you're not a tomato fan, you can skip them, but we really recommend trying it with them. Even people who “don’t like tomatoes” are often surprised by how good it is.
3. About Measuring
Aside from the olive oil and broth, we didn’t measure much. Use your eyes, taste often, and trust your gut because sometimes it's easier than reaching for a measuring cup (and one less thing to clean!). We eyeballed the Parmesan and tomatoes, and added more broccoli just because we love it.
4. Add a Protein (Optional)
We’re sharing this pasta as-is, but it would be delicious topped with sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken if you’re looking to make it more filling.
5. Pasta Water Tip
Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta water before draining. It’s the secret to a silky, well-emulsified sauce. If the pasta ever looks dry, just splash in a bit more and toss.
6. Spice It Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while infusing the garlic oil for a gentle kick of heat. Or let people add their own at the table for a more customizable spice level.
7. Pasta Swap
Spaghetti is classic, but this works just as well with linguine, bucatini, or even angel hair. Use what you love or have on hand.
8.Make-Ahead Tip
You can prep the garlic oil earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just gently reheat it before tossing with the pasta.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
we hope you love this week. and as always,
Keep the Plates Full and the Spark Alive
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We believe that creating space for intentional weekly connection around the dinner table is one of the most grounding, nourishing things you can do, for your relationship and for yourself.
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words worth sharing
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