Description
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish prized for its simplicity and bold flavors. Made with just a few staple ingredients—spaghetti, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and pasta water—this dish creates a silky, aromatic sauce in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that highlights the beauty of minimalist cooking.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Optional Garnish
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti thoroughly.
- Heat Olive Oil and Cook Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for about 20–30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.
- Toss Pasta in Garlic Oil: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat it evenly with the garlic-infused olive oil.
- Create Sauce with Pasta Water: Pour in ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes, allowing the oil and starchy water to emulsify into a glossy, silky sauce. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season and Add Parsley: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss in the finely chopped fresh parsley for brightness.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Optionally, sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
Notes
- Cook the garlic slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning, as burnt garlic imparts bitterness.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil since it is a key flavor component.
- Starchy pasta water is essential for emulsifying the sauce and achieving a smooth texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
- Parmesan cheese is optional and not traditional, but it adds a pleasant savory depth.
- For added protein, consider serving with grilled shrimp, chicken, or salmon.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of water to restore sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta, Quick Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
