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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Carefully drain pasta, preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
- Select a generously sized skillet and heat olive oil over medium-low temperature, creating a gentle sizzling environment.
- Introduce minced garlic to the warm oil, gently sautéing until it transforms into a golden, aromatic delight. Maintain constant movement to prevent scorching.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the skillet, allowing them to release their subtle heat for approximately 30 seconds.
- 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.
- Fold fresh chopped parsley throughout the pasta, seasoning with salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 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