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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Place a spacious skillet over medium-high heat and pour olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and warm thoroughly.
- 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.
- Pour reserved pasta water into the skillet, creating a silky, emulsified sauce that will help coat the noodles evenly.
- 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.
- Remove skillet from heat source, generously season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the taste profile.
- 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