Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic and Oil Pasta) Recipe
A classic Italian pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant sauce of golden sautéed garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and red pepper flakes, finished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 400 g (14 oz) Spaghetti
- Salt, for pasta water
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan Cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help bind the sauce later.
- Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the red pepper flakes to infuse the oil with a mild heat.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss well to coat every strand with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Finishing Touches: Toss in the chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Give everything a final toss to combine all flavors and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Be careful when sautéing garlic; burnt garlic imparts bitterness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Reserving pasta water is key for a silky sauce texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain the perfect texture.
Keywords: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, garlic pasta, Italian pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe
