The Easiest Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe for Pasta Night Magic

Whipping up a classic spaghetti aglio e olio brings pure Italian magic right to your kitchen.

Pasta lovers understand the beauty of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavors.

Garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes dance together in this minimalist dish.

Naples would be proud of such a straightforward culinary masterpiece.

Authentic cooking means respecting each component’s natural essence and potential.

Salt and parsley add the final touch of brightness to this elegant meal.

Grab a fork and savor every delicious bite of this timeless comfort food.

Simple Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

• Speedy Meal Solution: Perfect for busy nights, this pasta dish comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, making it a go-to option when you're short on time and energy.
• Pantry-Friendly Cooking: Requires just a few basic ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, eliminating the need for last-minute grocery runs and saving you stress.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that welcomes personal touches like adding proteins, extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comfort Food Charm: Delivers classic Italian flavors with simple ingredients, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients for Classic Aglio E Olio Pasta

• Spaghetti: A classic long, thin pasta that serves as the perfect base for this traditional Italian dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that provides a rich, smooth foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that is essential to the classic Aglio E Olio recipe.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.

• Pasta Cooking Water: Helps create a silky sauce and helps the ingredients bind together.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and creamy texture to the pasta.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

How to Prepare Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain the pasta, but save a half cup of the starchy cooking water. This liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance and the garlic turns golden but not browned.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce Mixture

Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet with the garlic and oil. Whisk everything together to create a harmonious, emulsified sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully.

Step 4: Marry Pasta with Sauce

Transfer the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the luscious sauce and become infused with incredible flavor.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Remove the skillet from heat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of freshness, scatter some chopped parsley on top if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality pasta!

Tips to Nail Classic Aglio E Olio Pasta

• Reserve some starchy pasta water to create a silky, emulsified sauce that helps coat the spaghetti perfectly.
• Sauté garlic quickly to release its flavor without burning, which can make the dish bitter and unpleasant.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, adding more or less depending on your preference for spiciness.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor, avoiding pre-shredded cheese that can be less flavorful and more dry.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the pasta at its best texture and temperature, preventing it from becoming soggy.

Flavor Variations on Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

• Seafood Spaghetti: Add sautéed shrimp or scallops to the skillet for a protein-packed version that brings ocean flavors to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Garden Pasta: Mix in roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a colorful and nutritious alternative that keeps the garlic oil base.
• Spicy Herb Explosion: Increase red pepper flakes and incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to create a more intense and aromatic pasta experience.
• Mushroom Umami Boost: Sauté cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic to add a rich, earthy depth to the traditional spaghetti aglio e olio.

Pairings to Serve with Aglio E Olio Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, zesty Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that complements the garlic and olive oil without overpowering the delicate pasta flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a simple side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the richness of the pasta and add a fresh, bright element.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a rustic Italian bread rubbed with garlic and toasted with olive oil to soak up the extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the smooth spaghetti.

Best Storage Practices for Aglio E Olio

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Revive cold spaghetti by gently reheating in a skillet with a splash of olive oil, stirring constantly to redistribute heat and restore moisture. Add extra parmesan or herbs for renewed flavor.

FAQs

• What does Aglio E Olio mean?

Aglio E Olio is an Italian phrase meaning “garlic and oil” in English, which describes the two primary ingredients of this classic pasta dish.

• Why is pasta water important in this recipe?

Pasta water helps create a silky sauce by adding starch and helping the oil and garlic mixture coat the pasta evenly, creating a smooth and flavorful dish.

• Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can control the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes according to your personal taste preference.

• What type of pasta works best for Spaghetti Aglio E Olio?

While spaghetti is traditional, you can also use linguine or other long, thin pasta shapes that will hold the garlic and oil sauce well.

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio sings with classic Italian simplicity, blending garlic, olive oil, and parsley into a quick, elegant pasta masterpiece. Passionate cooks savor this minimalist dish that whispers comfort and brings Mediterranean charm right to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) spaghetti

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Main Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
• Shredded parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender with a slight bite, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Place a spacious skillet over medium-high heat and pour olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and warm thoroughly.
3. Introduce minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes into the heated oil, gently swirling and sautéing for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.
4. Pour reserved pasta water into the skillet, creating a silky, emulsified sauce that will help coat the noodles evenly.
5. Transfer drained spaghetti directly into the fragrant oil mixture, tossing and rotating pasta to ensure complete coverage and allowing it to absorb the flavorful liquid for 2-4 minutes.
6. Remove skillet from heat source, generously season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the taste profile.
7. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the pasta, providing a luxurious finish. Optional: Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a touch of vibrant color and fresh herb essence.

Notes

• Toast garlic carefully to prevent burning, as it turns bitter quickly and can ruin the entire dish’s delicate flavor profile.
• Reserve pasta water strategically, as the starchy liquid helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti strands.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired spiciness.
• Transform this classic recipe into a gluten-free version by using alternative pasta made from rice, chickpea, or zucchini noodles without compromising authentic taste.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 496
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 71 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg