Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, meaning “spaghetti with garlic and oil” in Italian, is a traditional Italian pasta dish known for its simplicity and incredible flavor. This dish requires just a few ingredients and can be made in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden brown (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water.
- Toss the spaghetti in the skillet until it is well coated with the garlic oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- If using, sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the spaghetti aglio e olio immediately, while it’s still warm.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 400-450
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 8g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 2-4
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a beautifully simple yet flavorful dish that epitomizes the elegance of Italian cuisine. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something quick, light, and satisfying. The key to this dish is using good quality olive oil and fresh garlic for the best flavor. Enjoy this classic pasta dish with a glass of white wine and a side of crusty bread!
