Description:
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet flavorful Italian dish made with only a few ingredients—spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s both affordable and delicious, often enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or late-night comfort food in Italy. The dish showcases how just a handful of pantry staples can come together to create a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. - Prepare the garlic and oil:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Add red pepper flakes:
Once the garlic is golden, add the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil. - Toss the spaghetti:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss to coat the pasta in the garlic-infused oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. - Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat and toss in the chopped parsley. Serve the spaghetti immediately with an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
Serves 4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
Additional Information:
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a beloved Italian classic that originated in Naples. It’s known for its simplicity and bold flavors, despite the minimal ingredients. The dish allows the quality of the olive oil and garlic to shine, so using high-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best results.
Diets:
This dish fits into the following dietary lifestyles:
- Vegetarian
- Mediterranean
- Vegan (if served without Parmesan)
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free (if made with gluten-free pasta)
When to Serve Spaghetti Aglio e Olio:
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party starter. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. While it’s often served as a main course, you can also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.
Key Tips for the Perfect Aglio e Olio:
- Garlic: Make sure to slice the garlic thinly and cook it on medium heat to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and alter the flavor of the dish.
- Spaghetti texture: Cook the spaghetti to al dente—firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta holds up well when tossed in the hot oil and garlic mixture.
- Pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining. Adding this starchy water can help bind the sauce to the pasta and make the dish creamier.
Notes:
- Spice level: You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat. Add more if you like it spicy, or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Oil: The flavor of the olive oil plays a major role in this dish, so it’s recommended to use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Make it heartier: For a more substantial meal, add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or even some grilled shrimp.
This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights or as a delightful comfort meal. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through, making it a timeless favorite.