Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Aglio E Olio)
Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil, also known as Aglio E Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a simple yet satisfying meal.Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving comfort food, this dish takes only 25 minutes to prepare and cook. With just a few ingredients, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that delivers big flavor.
Ingredients
- 400 g 14 oz Spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes or to taste
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Salt for the pasta water
Optional:
- Grated Parmesan Cheese for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as it will help bind the sauce later.
Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this will create a bitter flavor. Stir in the red pepper flakes at this point for a gentle kick of heat.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Once the garlic is perfectly golden, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the garlic and olive oil mixture, making sure each strand is coated in the savory sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Finishing Touches
- Now it’s time to add the finishing touches. Toss in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness, and if you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Give everything a final toss to combine and serve immediately!