Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio features simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy Italian pasta recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Perfect for fans of flavorful, minimalist dishes, it pairs well with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for added taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried spaghetti
• ½ cup good-quality olive oil
• 6 to 8 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente—about one minute less than the package instructions.
2. Prepare the Garlic Oil: About 3 minutes after adding the pasta to the boiling water, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns a light golden color. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. If the pasta isn’t ready yet, remove the pan from heat to prevent overcooking.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the pasta is ready, use tongs to transfer it directly from the pot into the sauté pan with the garlic oil. Add ½ cup of the hot starchy pasta water and toss continuously to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add an additional ¼ cup of pasta water.
4. Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and add extra salt or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Serve: Plate immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients come together for a classic, flavorful Italian dish
• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
• Balanced heat from red pepper flakes with the rich aroma of garlic and olive oil

Tips

• Use fresh, good-quality olive oil for the best flavor
• Slice garlic thinly and cook gently to avoid bitterness from burning
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky finish

Variations and Substitutions

• Add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for added protein
• Swap spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta
• Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor
• Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep it dairy-free

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the garlic oil in advance and toss with pasta when ready.
• How spicy is this dish? Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
• What if I don’t have fresh garlic? Minced garlic can be used, but fresh sliced garlic provides the best texture and flavor.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables
• Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up extra sauce
• Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon zest for brightness

This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring simple, fresh ingredients combined into a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes.