Description
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta made with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a simple yet flavorful dish. This quick pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and delivers authentic Italian flavor using pantry staples. Learn how to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with perfectly cooked pasta, fragrant garlic oil, and fresh parsley for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp salt plus more for pasta water
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente reserving pasta water before draining
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add sliced garlic cooking gently until fragrant and lightly golden
3. Stir in red pepper flakes and black pepper to infuse the oil with heat
4. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed
5. Stir in chopped parsley and taste for seasoning
6. Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan if desired
Notes
Use high quality extra virgin olive oil since it forms the base of the sauce and greatly impacts flavor
Do not let the garlic brown too much or it will taste bitter instead of fragrant
Adding pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and creates a glossy coating on the noodles
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg