If you are looking for a delightfully simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish, the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe is an absolute gem to add to your culinary repertoire. This traditional Italian classic combines just a few basic ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes to create a dish bursting with savory warmth and a touch of spicy kick. What makes this recipe so irresistible is its elegant simplicity and the way these humble ingredients come together to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and aroma in every bite. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe is how straightforward and fresh the ingredients are. Each component plays a critical role, bringing its unique character to the plate, making the dish satisfying without any fuss.
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti: The star base that soaks up all the flavorful oil and garlic perfectly.
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Fresh garlic provides that irresistible aromatic punch and savory depth.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: A rich, fruity foundation that carries the garlic and chili throughout the pasta.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): Adds just the right amount of warmth and piquancy to awaken your palate.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish beautifully.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds subtle spiciness and complexity.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, green brightness to contrast the richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds creamy, salty goodness for a more indulgent twist.
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor): A fresh citrus burst that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This is crucial because the pasta needs to have a bit of bite to hold onto the sauce. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water—this magical liquid will help meld the flavors later on.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic
While your pasta is cooking, warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté it gently until it’s golden and fragrant, about two minutes. This step demands attention because garlic can quickly burn, which would add an unwanted bitterness to the dish. Patience here results in a beautifully flavored oil that forms the heart of the recipe.
Step 3: Infuse with red pepper flakes
Next, sprinkle the red pepper flakes into the garlic oil and let them cook for about 30 seconds. This infuses the oil with just the right amount of heat, creating that characteristic subtle spice that makes Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe so exciting to eat.
Step 4: Toss pasta in the flavored oil
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss everything together so each strand is coated in the garlicky, spicy oil. Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture that clings beautifully to the noodles.
Step 5: Season well
Now is the time to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your personal taste. Toss again to distribute these seasonings evenly, enhancing every bite with layers of flavor.
Step 6: Add fresh parsley
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. The parsley’s fresh, slightly peppery notes bring a lovely contrast to the richness and spice, balancing the dish perfectly.
Step 7: Optional finishing touches
If you want to elevate your Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe further, sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese and a little lemon zest. These optional additions add depth, creaminess, and brightness, making the dish even more irresistible.
Step 8: Serve immediately
The best way to enjoy this dish is right away, while it’s warm and fragrant. You can add extra parsley or red pepper flakes on top if you like a little more color and heat. Serve the pasta on warmed plates to keep it cozy and inviting from start to finish.
How to Serve Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley transforms the dish visually and adds a fresh aroma that complements the garlicky oil perfectly. Some grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely umami touch, while a dash of lemon zest lends an uplifting flair that brightens up every forkful.
Side Dishes
Since Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe is so light yet satisfying, pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic-roasted vegetables creates a balanced meal. A crusty bread like a baguette or focaccia is fantastic for soaking up any leftover oil, making every last drop count.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or just to impress your loved ones, try serving this pasta in shallow bowls topped with edible flowers or a drizzle of high-quality aged balsamic vinegar. You can also plate it alongside roasted cherry tomatoes or a fried egg for an extra layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe, just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb the oil, so it’s best to add a little fresh olive oil when reheating to bring back that luscious texture.
Freezing
While freezing fresh pasta with oil isn’t generally recommended because it can alter the texture, you can freeze the cooked noodles separately without the sauce. When ready to eat, thaw and toss with freshly made garlic oil and parsley to revive that delicious Spaghetti Aglio E Olio experience.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil and a bit of the reserved pasta water if you’ve kept some. This will help restore moisture and keep the dish from drying out, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional because it holds the sauce beautifully, other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine work well too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version of the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. You still get the wonderful garlic and oil flavors without the heat.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Nope! Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended if you want an extra savory, creamy element. The dish is delicious without it, especially if you focus on quality olive oil and fresh garlic.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Keep the heat at medium or medium-low and watch the garlic carefully as it cooks. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as the garlic turns a light golden color to prevent bitterness.
Can I prepare Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe vegan?
Yes, definitely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative, and you’ll have a perfectly delicious vegan pasta that’s bursting with flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe is a timeless dish that shows how a few simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly special. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it will become one of your favorite go-to meals to whip up over and over again.
Print
Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian pasta dish, Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines al dente spaghetti with sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, finished with olive oil and optional Parmesan and lemon zest for a delightful meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional toppings
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Infuse the oil: Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.
- Toss pasta with garlic oil: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the garlic and chili-infused oil. Use some of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and combine everything smoothly.
- Season: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, tossing again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Add parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley, folding it gently into the pasta.
- Optional toppings: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest over the pasta for an extra depth of flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if preferred, to enjoy the best fresh flavors.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the garlic thinly for even browning and a delicate flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency and binding.
- Parmesan cheese and lemon zest are optional but add nice complementary flavors.
- Serve immediately as the dish tastes best fresh and warm.
