Firecracker Angel Hair

This pasta dish is light, totally vegetarian, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. I love the versatility of pasta and was surprised how satisfying this dish was despite the lack of protein. I like, but don't love most tomato sauces so I wanted something different. I am a huge fan of spicy food, so this flavor profile hits many of the same notes as a really heavy Cajun or Thai dish but is no where near as complicated or time-consuming.

Firecracker Angel Hair Pasta
Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes 
Cook time: 20 minutes

• 1 lb angel hair pasta
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
• 4 chopped scallions

Heat the oil and butter together over low heat. Add the pepper flakes and garlic and cook over low heat for 15 minutes until the garlic is soft. Be very careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, using 1/4 cup of salt per gallon of water. More can be used, depending on taste. Salt does not dissolve well in the fatty oil and butter, so this is the only way to introduce that layer of flavor.
Turn the heat on the sauce to medium high and immediately toss with the drained pasta and sliced scallions. Enjoy!