Quick and Easy Za'atar and Labneh Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 12 oz Spaghetti (dry, preferably durum wheat)
• 2 tbsp Salt (for seasoning the boiling water)
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for frying garlic and finishing)
• 8 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Labneh (strained yogurt, creamy, room temperature)
• 2 tbsp Za'atar (high‑quality, includes sumac and thyme)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, optional for pseudo‑Alfredo version)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, optional for pseudo‑Alfredo version)

Instructions

1. Boil and Season Pasta Water

   Fill a large pot with water, bring to a rolling boil, and add 2 tbsp salt. Stir until dissolved.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Boiling

2. Cook Spaghetti

   Add 12 oz spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook according to package timing, subtracting 1 minute for al‑dente texture.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Boiling

3. Prepare Garlic

   While the pasta cooks, thinly slice 8 garlic cloves.

   Time: PT2M

4. Reserve Pasta Water and Drain

   When pasta is al‑dente, reserve 1 cup of hot pasta water in a jug, then drain the spaghetti using a colander.

   Time: PT2M

5. Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

   Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until lightly golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium

6. Deglaze with Pasta Water

   Add a splash (≈2 tbsp) of reserved pasta water to the skillet, stir, then return to heat.

   Time: PT30S

   Temperature: Medium

7. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce

   Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the pasta looks glossy and slightly saucy.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium

8. Incorporate Labneh

   Reduce heat to low. Spoon in 1 cup labneh and stir vigorously until fully melted and the strands are coated with a creamy, glossy sauce.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Low

9. Finish with Za'atar and Olive Oil

   Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle 2 tbsp za'atar over the pasta and drizzle an extra teaspoon of olive oil. Toss gently to distribute.

   Time: PT30S

10. Optional Pseudo‑Alfredo Variation

    For a creamy alternative, set aside half of the prepared pasta. Return the pan to low heat, add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, stirring until the cheese melts. Use a splash of pasta water to keep the sauce smooth.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low

11. Plate and Serve

    Divide the spaghetti among plates. Add an extra pinch of za'atar and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately, hot or at room temperature.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories

460

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

62 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

3 g