Name: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) spaghetti; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ½ tsp salt (plus more for pasta water); Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving); Lemon zest (optional, for extra freshness)

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There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in minutes yet feels like a gourmet experience. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is that kind of meal—a simple, no-fuss recipe that’s brimming with bold, garlicky flavor and a hint of heat. It’s the kind of pasta you whip up when you’re short on time but still craving something incredibly delicious. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile

You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side, and it pairs beautifully with salads, grilled meats, or seafood.

Budget-Friendly

Made with pantry staples like pasta, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, this is a low-cost meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Quick and Easy

From start to finish, it takes just about 20 minutes to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

Customizable

Love spice? Add more red pepper flakes. Want extra depth? Toss in some Parmesan or fresh herbs. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients, yet the flavors come together perfectly.

Spaghetti

The base of the dish. Opt for a good-quality spaghetti that holds its texture well when tossed in the flavorful oil.

Olive Oil

Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It creates the luscious, garlicky sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Garlic

The star ingredient! Thinly sliced garlic infuses the oil with deep, rich flavor.

Red Pepper Flakes

A touch of heat elevates the dish, adding just the right amount of spice.

Parsley

Fresh parsley brings brightness and a pop of color to the final dish.

Parmesan (Optional)

For an extra layer of umami and richness, sprinkle in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Salt & Black Pepper

Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Add the Red Pepper Flakes

Stir in the red pepper flakes and let them infuse the oil for a few seconds, releasing their spicy aroma.

Toss the Pasta

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlicky oil. Gradually add some reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.

Season and Garnish

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle in fresh parsley and, if desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta while it’s hot and dig in! Enjoy the bold flavors of garlic, spice, and rich olive oil in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 400

(Note: These are approximate values and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serve with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
Pair with garlic bread or a rustic loaf for extra indulgence.
Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Enjoy with a glass of white wine for an elegant touch.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Don’t overcook the garlic – It should be golden and fragrant, not burnt.
Use good-quality olive oil – It’s a key flavor component, so choose wisely.
Reserve pasta water – It helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Experiment with add-ins – Try sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or anchovies for extra depth.
Make it vegan – Simply skip the Parmesan, and the dish remains naturally plant-based.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair work well.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version.

How spicy is Spaghetti Aglio e Olio? It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.

Can I make this in advance? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently with a bit of olive oil.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning? Keep the heat on medium and stir frequently. If it starts browning too quickly, lower the heat.

What can I use instead of parsley? Basil, arugula, or even spinach can add a fresh element to the dish.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary? No, it’s optional! The dish is flavorful even without it.

Can I add protein to this dish? Yes! Shrimp, chicken, or even crispy pancetta make great additions.

What’s the best olive oil to use? Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the richest flavor.

How can I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of olive oil.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance—all in under 30 minutes. So go ahead, grab your pasta, and let’s make dinner unforgettable!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet flavorful Italian pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. This classic Neapolitan recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a delicious, satisfying meal in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz (340g) spaghetti
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Lemon zest (optional, for extra freshness)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In a large pan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant (about 2 minutes). Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Add red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
Toss in the drained spaghetti, stirring to coat in the garlic oil. If the pasta looks dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
Stir in the parsley and season with salt to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, if desired.