If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s both incredibly simple and irresistibly flavorful, look no further than this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe. With just a handful of humble ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and a touch of chili flakes, this classic Italian favorite delivers a comforting, aromatic bite every single time. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that are staple in most kitchens, yet each one brings a vital element to the dish—be it flavor, texture, or that perfect pop of color.
- Spaghetti (400g): Choose a good-quality durum wheat spaghetti that holds al dente texture well.
- Garlic (6 cloves, sliced): Fresh garlic is key for that fragrant, bold flavor that defines this dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil (100ml): The heart of the recipe; a fruity and rich olive oil elevates the taste beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your palate without overpowering the garlic.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings freshness and a vibrant green contrast to the plate.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning the pasta water and balancing all the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a luxurious, salty finish if you like a cheesy touch.
How to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt the water generously—it should taste like the sea—because this is your chance to season the pasta itself. Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente, which means it still has a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta but save a bit of the pasta water for later. This helps to marry the pasta with the sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic
While the pasta cooks, warm your extra virgin olive oil gently over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté carefully until it turns a lovely golden brown. This step is crucial—don’t rush it or let the garlic burn, as that will make the dish bitter rather than aromatic and nutty.
Step 3: Bring in the Heat with Red Pepper Flakes
Once the garlic is beautifully toasted, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir for about a minute. This releases their flavor and infuses the oil with a delicate spicy warmth that complements the garlic perfectly. The heat should be subtle, not overwhelming.
Step 4: Toss Pasta in the Garlic Oil
Drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the infused olive oil. Toss the spaghetti well, ensuring every strand is coated in that luscious garlicky oil. If the mixture feels a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky texture.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Season gently with salt, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and brightness that cuts through the richness of the oil. This simple garnish transforms the dish making it feel fresh and homey.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Optional Parmesan
Serve the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe piping hot, with a little grated Parmesan cheese on top if you love that extra savory kick. The cheese melts slightly into the warm pasta, adding a new depth of flavor but feel free to enjoy it just as it is—the essence of Italy on your plate.
How to Serve Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish, adding fresh herbal notes and a vibrant green touch. For an extra layer of flavor, try toasted breadcrumbs or a few slivers of lemon zest to brighten the dish further. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can also make the pasta glisten beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is light yet packed with flavor, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. A slice of crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up any leftover garlic oil, making the meal feel complete without overshadowing the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe in rustic bowls sprinkled with colorful herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color. For an elegant touch, add edible flowers or microgreens on top. You could also plate it alongside grilled shrimp or seared scallops to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2 days as the garlic oil flavor is at its peak shortly after cooking. Before refrigerating, make sure the pasta has completely cooled to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe is not ideal since the olive oil can solidify and garlic flavors tend to become muted. However, if you must freeze it, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and use it within one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the pasta mushy. Stir frequently and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works best to capture the sauce, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference. If you like things mild, reduce or omit the flakes, or increase for more kick if you’re a spice lover.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta can complement this dish nicely. However, the classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe is celebrated for its simple, vegetarian profile.
What’s the best olive oil to use?
Go for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil that’s fresh and fruity. It makes a huge difference as the oil is the main flavor carrier in this recipe.
Can I prepare the garlic oil in advance?
It’s best to prepare the garlic oil fresh to avoid bitter flavors. However, you can slice the garlic ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then quickly sauté when ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe is a beautiful reminder that amazing food can come from the simplest ingredients with just a little care and love. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for any day you want something delicious without the fuss. Give it a try and I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Italian Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with garlic sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, tossed with al dente spaghetti, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and optionally finished with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 400g spaghetti
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 100ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until it turns golden brown, being careful not to burn it, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Spice: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavor into the oil.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the oil and garlic mixture.
- Season and Garnish: Season the pasta with salt to taste and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti hot, optionally topping with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- To avoid burning the garlic, keep the heat moderate and watch it closely while sautéing.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to your desired level of spiciness.
- Use fresh parsley to add brightness to the dish; flat-leaf parsley is preferred.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory touch.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of garlic and oil.
