The Simplest, Most Flavorful Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

Silky strands of pasta dance with garlic aglio e olio in a classic Italian melody of simplicity.

Olive oil shimmers, releasing aromatic notes that whisper of Mediterranean kitchens.

Parsley adds a fresh green burst to this minimalist dish.

Chefs worldwide adore this recipe for its elegant restraint and bold flavors.

Salt and red pepper flakes bring a subtle warmth that awakens every bite.

You’ll savor each forkful of this timeless comfort food.

Let this spaghetti aglio e olio transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Naples.

What Sets Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Apart

• This spaghetti aglio e olio recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without complex preparation.
• Traditional Italian cuisine shines through with just a handful of ingredients, proving that culinary magic happens when quality meets simplicity.
• Red pepper flakes allow personalized heat adjustment, making this dish adaptable for various taste preferences from mild to fiery.
• With just pantry staples like garlic, olive oil, pasta, and cheese, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that feels luxurious yet incredibly approachable.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that serves as the foundation of this traditional Italian dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for infusing garlic flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic essence that is essential to the recipe's character.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.

• Italian Parsley, Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: Fresh herbs and cheese add brightness, depth, and a creamy texture to complete the classic Aglio E Olio experience.

How to Cook This Classic Pasta Dish

Step 1: Boil Spaghetti Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Add a generous pinch of salt.

Crank the stove to high heat and wait for a vigorous boil.

Gently slide the spaghetti into the bubbling water.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture, about 10-12 minutes.

Drain thoroughly in a colander.

Step 2: Craft Aromatic Garlic Oil

Select a skillet and pour in olive oil.

Add thinly sliced garlic.

Start with a cold pan to help the garlic release its magical flavors.

Set the heat to medium and slowly toast the garlic.

Watch carefully as it turns golden brown, stirring constantly.

This process takes about 15 minutes total.

The oil should become beautifully fragrant and the garlic delicately crisp.

Step 3: Season the Pasta

Transfer the drained spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.

• Red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt

Gently toss the pasta to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Pour the hot garlic-infused oil over the seasoned pasta.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top.

Generously add grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Use tongs to mix everything together, ensuring each strand of spaghetti gets coated in the flavorful oil and cheese.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Twirl the spaghetti into elegant mounds on serving plates.

Dust with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

The dish should look inviting and smell absolutely incredible.

Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming hot.

Enjoy the simple yet profound flavors of this classic Italian comfort food.

Tips for Garlic and Oil Pasta Perfection

• Start with a cold skillet to extract maximum flavor from garlic without burning, ensuring a rich and aromatic oil base for your pasta.
• Keep the heat at medium-low when toasting garlic to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown color that adds depth to the dish.
• Taste and adjust red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create a harmonious flavor profile that complements the garlic and pasta.
• Choose high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano to elevate the simple yet classic spaghetti aglio e olio.
• Mix the pasta gently but completely to ensure every strand is coated with the fragrant garlic oil and evenly distributed seasonings.

Store and Reheat Aglio e Olio the Right Way

• Store leftover spaghetti aglio e olio in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the pasta surface to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta before microwaving to restore softness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly and prevent clumping.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium-low heat. Gently toss and stir to revive the garlic flavor and restore the pasta's original texture. Add extra parsley or cheese if desired.
• Skip freezing this pasta dish as the delicate garlic oil and fresh herbs will lose their vibrant taste and texture when thawed. Fresh is always best for spaghetti aglio e olio.

Sides That Pair with Aglio e Olio

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to complement the garlic and pepper flavors, cutting through the olive oil's richness while enhancing the pasta's delicate taste.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding bright, peppery notes that contrast the pasta's simplicity and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the garlic-infused dish.
• Match with Crispy Garlic Bread: Prepare garlic bread with similar herbs and olive oil elements, creating a harmonious flavor profile that echoes the spaghetti's core ingredients and provides a crunchy texture alongside the soft pasta.
• Complement with Dry Sparkling Rosé: Choose a dry sparkling rosé that offers light acidity and subtle fruity undertones, which will beautifully balance the dish's spicy and garlicky characteristics while cleansing the palate between bites.

Simple Variations for This Pasta Classic

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the classic garlic and oil flavors.
• Vegan Herb Infusion: Swap Parmigiano-Reggiano with nutritional yeast and use extra virgin olive oil to create a plant-based version that's packed with herbal intensity.
• Spicy Seafood Upgrade: Add sautéed shrimp or canned anchovies to introduce a protein-rich maritime element that complements the garlic and red pepper flakes.
• Whole Wheat Wholesome Spin: Substitute regular spaghetti with whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and bring a nutty undertone to the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• Is spaghetti aglio e olio considered a traditional Italian dish?

Yes, it originates from Naples, Italy, and is a classic example of simple, peasant-style cooking that transforms few ingredients into a delicious meal.

• What makes the garlic preparation so important in this recipe?

Slowly toasting the garlic in cold oil allows it to release its flavors gradually without burning, creating a rich, mellow garlic taste that infuses the entire dish with depth and aroma.

• Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh garlic slices?

Fresh garlic slices are recommended because they provide better flavor and texture. Pre-minced garlic can burn quickly and lacks the same depth of flavor that freshly sliced garlic offers.

• How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you want a spicier kick, or omit them entirely for a milder version.

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio whispers classic Italian simplicity with garlic-infused olive oil dancing through perfectly al dente pasta. Minimalist ingredients create maximum flavor, inviting you to savor Mediterranean comfort in each twirling forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked spaghetti
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) red pepper flakes, or to taste
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Herbs and Oil:

• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) chopped fresh Italian parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with water and salt, bringing it to a vigorous boil over high heat for the spaghetti.
2. Submerge the spaghetti in boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. Cook for 10-12 minutes until achieving al dente texture, then drain thoroughly into a spacious pasta bowl.
3. Select a cold skillet and combine olive oil with garlic slices. Heat gradually on medium, allowing garlic to infuse oil for approximately 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to medium-low, continuously stirring until garlic turns golden brown, roughly 5 additional minutes.
4. Distribute red pepper flakes across the pasta, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to ensure even coverage.
5. Cascade the aromatic garlic-infused olive oil over the seasoned spaghetti. Sprinkle chopped Italian parsley and half the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Use tongs to thoroughly coat and intermingle all ingredients.
6. Transfer pasta to serving plates, creating elegant twirls. Garnish with remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Serve immediately while pasta remains warm and cheese slightly melts, showcasing the vibrant Italian flavors.

Notes

• Slow-toast garlic carefully to prevent burning, which can make the dish bitter and unpalatable.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor and smoother texture in the sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and incrementing gradually.
• Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining, which helps create a silkier sauce if the pasta seems dry when mixing.
• Select traditional long spaghetti for authentic presentation, avoiding shorter pasta varieties that won’t capture the garlic oil as effectively.
• Fresh garlic provides superior taste compared to pre-minced versions, ensuring maximum aromatic intensity.
• Choose authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano over generic parmesan for more complex, nutty cheese undertones.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 556
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 214 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 71 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 21 mg