The Most Flavorful Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe Ever Made

Authentic spaghetti aglio e olio brings pure Italian magic right into your kitchen.

Naples crafted this simple yet stunning pasta decades ago.

Minimal ingredients dance together, creating something truly spectacular.

Garlic and olive oil merge into a silky, comforting sauce that feels like a warm embrace.

Pantry staples become culinary poetry with just a few careful movements.

Each twirl of pasta carries intense flavor and Mediterranean soul.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this classic comfort dish.

Why Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Is a Classic

• Savor Simple Ingredients: This recipe celebrates the beauty of minimal, pantry-staple ingredients that come together to create a stunning pasta dish with bold, authentic Italian flavors.
• Master Quick Cooking: Requiring just a few minutes of active preparation, this spaghetti aglio e olio is perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe offers flexible options like adjusting red pepper heat, adding Parmesan cheese, or incorporating lemon zest, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through each plate.
• Stress-Free Weeknight Wonder: With straightforward techniques and basic cooking skills needed, this classic Italian pasta provides a satisfying meal that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to execute.

Ingredients for Simple Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the base for this simple and delicious dish.
• Olive Oil: A key component that creates the foundation of flavor and helps coat the pasta.
• Garlic: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor that is essential to the traditional Aglio e Olio recipe.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and mild spiciness to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pasta and balances the other ingredients.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal note and adds a bright green color to the final presentation.

• Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Zest: Provide an extra layer of flavor and can be sprinkled on top for added zest and richness.

How to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Perfectly

Step 1: Boil Water And Prepare Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Carefully add spaghetti and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, following the package guidelines. Before draining, scoop out some pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Heat a spacious skillet over medium-low temperature. Pour olive oil and let it warm gently.

Add minced garlic and cook slowly, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Watch for the garlic to turn a beautiful golden color and release its aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the garlic-infused oil. Let them sizzle and release their warmth for about 30 seconds, creating a delightful background heat.

Step 4: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss and coat the pasta thoroughly with the garlic oil mixture.

If the pasta looks dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, glossy coating.

Step 5: Final Touches

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the pasta.

Season with salt to enhance the flavors. Give everything a final gentle toss to distribute the herbs evenly.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the spaghetti immediately while it’s piping hot. For extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and add a bright hint of lemon zest if desired.

Tips for Best Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

• Watch the garlic closely and stir constantly to achieve a golden color without scorching, which can make the dish bitter.
• Save some starchy pasta water to create a silky sauce that helps ingredients cling perfectly to the spaghetti.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance, starting with a small pinch and increasing gradually.
• Use fresh garlic, good olive oil, and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most authentic and flavorful results.
• Plate and serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its peak temperature and texture, ensuring maximum flavor enjoyment.

Creative Twists on Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodles Version: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing cooking time and adding fresh vegetable nutrients.
• Vegan Herb Adaptation: Skip Parmesan cheese, use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and add roasted pine nuts for extra protein and crunch.
• Seafood Upgrade: Add sautéed shrimp or canned anchovies during the garlic cooking stage for a protein-rich Mediterranean-style variation.
• Spicy Calabrian Remix: Increase red pepper flakes, incorporate chopped fresh calabrian chili peppers, and finish with smoked paprika for an intense heat profile.

What to Pair with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Choose a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the garlic and olive oil’s delicate flavors, cutting through the richness with its refreshing acidity.

Serve alongside a crusty Italian ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the flavorful garlic-infused oil, creating a perfect texture contrast with the spaghetti.

Add a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta’s richness, providing a peppery and bright counterpoint to the dish.

Complete the meal with a light lemon sorbet or limoncello to echo the citrus notes and cleanse the palate after the garlicky pasta.

How to Store Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the pasta completely to prevent it from drying out.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain pasta texture.
• This dish doesn't freeze well due to the delicate olive oil and garlic sauce, which can separate and lose its original flavor and texture when thawed.

FAQs

Aglio e Olio is an Italian phrase meaning “garlic and oil” in English, which perfectly describes the simple and classic ingredients of this traditional pasta dish.

• Is this recipe authentic Italian?

Yes, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Neapolitan pasta dish originating from Naples, Italy, known for its minimalist approach using just a few high-quality ingredients.

• Why is pasta water important in this recipe?

Pasta water helps create a smooth, silky sauce by adding starch and helping the garlic oil coat the pasta evenly, ensuring better flavor distribution and texture.

• Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! The red pepper flakes allow you to control the heat level. Add more for extra spiciness or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio celebrates simple Italian cuisine with garlic-infused olive oil dancing over perfectly al dente pasta. Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor, inviting you to savor authentic Mediterranean comfort in every twirled forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidelines.
2. Carefully drain pasta, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
3. Select a generously sized skillet and heat olive oil over medium-low temperature, creating a gentle sizzling environment.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the warm oil, gently sautéing until it transforms into a golden, aromatic delight. Maintain constant movement to prevent scorching.
5. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet, allowing them to release their subtle heat for approximately 30 seconds.
6. Transfer drained spaghetti into the infused oil, meticulously coating each strand. If the mixture appears dry, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.
7. Fold fresh chopped parsley throughout the pasta, seasoning with salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Plate immediately, offering optional garnishes of grated Parmesan cheese and delicate lemon zest for those seeking an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Avoid burning garlic by keeping heat low and stirring constantly, which prevents bitter flavors and ensures a golden, nutty taste.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor, as it significantly impacts the dish’s overall taste profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customization for mild or spicy preferences.
• Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating silky sauce texture, helping ingredients cling perfectly to spaghetti strands.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg