Description
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its simplicity and bold flavors. Made with just a few key ingredients—spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley—this quick and easy recipe delivers a deliciously fragrant and flavorful meal. Optional additions like lemon zest and Parmesan cheese add a fresh and savory touch, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 400 g Spaghetti
Sauce
- 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil: While the spaghetti cooks, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the garlic oil base.
- Sauté garlic: Add the thinly sliced garlic to the warm olive oil. Stir gently and sauté frequently until the garlic turns golden brown and releases a fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Add red pepper flakes: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil with a spicy kick.
- Drain pasta and reserve water: Once the spaghetti is cooked al dente, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Toss pasta with garlic oil: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen and create a silky sauce.
- Season and add parsley: Season the pasta with salt to taste and add chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together until well combined and vibrant.
- Add lemon zest (optional): For a fresh and bright flavor, incorporate the lemon zest and toss again to distribute evenly throughout the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for a savory finish.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
- Be cautious when sautéing garlic; overcooking can cause bitterness.
- Reserving pasta water helps to emulsify and bind the sauce for a better texture.
- This dish is best served fresh and hot for the optimal flavor and texture.
- Parmesan cheese adds richness but can be omitted for a traditional dairy-free version.
