Garlic-Infused Spaghetti with Crispy Fried Eggs

1. Bring Water to a Boil

Start by bringing a pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Infuse Garlic in Olive Oil

While the water heats up, take a small skillet and combine 2 large cloves of lightly smashed and peeled garlic with 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Place the skillet over medium-low heat, allowing the garlic to slowly infuse the oil with its rich aroma. Let the garlic gently sizzle until it becomes just a touch golden.

3. Remove Garlic and Add More Olive Oil

Once the garlic has infused the oil, remove the cloves from the skillet and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

4. Cook Spaghetti

By now, your water should be boiling. Add 1/2 pound of thin spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente.

5. Fry Eggs

As the pasta cooks, crack 4 eggs into the small skillet with the garlic-infused oil. Fry them gently over medium heat until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.

6. Combine Pasta and Eggs

Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it thoroughly and return it to the pot. Immediately toss in the fried eggs along with all the oil from the skillet. The heat from the pasta will continue to cook the eggs slightly, breaking up the whites and melding the flavors together.

7. Season and Serve

Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and, if you like, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese. Serve immediately while everything is still warm.