Description
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its simplicity and bold flavors. Made with just spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, this recipe delivers a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Topped optionally with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 1/2 cup good-quality olive oil
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large stockpot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until nearly al dente, about one minute less than the package instructions indicate.
- Prepare the Garlic Oil: Approximately three minutes after adding the pasta, heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic turns lightly golden, taking great care not to let it burn. If the pasta isn’t ready by the time the garlic is done, remove the pan from heat temporarily.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Once the pasta is ready, use tongs to transfer it directly from the pot to the sauté pan with the garlic and oil. Add 1/2 cup of the hot starchy pasta water to the pan. Toss the pasta continuously to ensure it is evenly coated with the garlic oil. If the mixture seems dry, add an additional 1/4 cup of pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and add a pinch more salt or crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if using.
Notes
- This recipe is quick and easy, made with only four main ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference for heat and flavor intensity.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter and affect the flavor of the sauce.
- Using some reserved starchy pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that adheres better to the spaghetti.
- Optional garnishing with parsley and Parmesan adds freshness and umami but can be omitted for a vegan or dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
