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Spaghetti Aglio e Olio uses simple ingredients to create a dish full of flavor! with only garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, pasta and parmesan cheeseThis classic Italian recipe is ideal for enjoying a tasty meal in less than 30 minutes.
Reasons why you will love this recipe
- Simply Delicious: This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something elegant without the fuss.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this dish ready in less than 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to your tastes. Omit the red pepper flakes if you don’t want spicy. You can even add some protein, like chicken or shrimp. Vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would also be tasty.
Balance between simplicity and incredible flavor
This Spaghetti with garlic and oil is the ideal balance between simplicity and luxurious taste. It’s the perfect go-to recipe when you’re short on time or just not in the mood to do something time-consuming. It is also not the recipe for skimping on quality. You’ll want to use real garlic, good olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese to get the most out of this meal!
Ingredients of Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
There are only 5 simple ingredients that go into this recipe and you probably already have them in your kitchen. For exact measurements, look for the recipe card at the end of the post.
How to make spaghetti with garlic and oil
This recipe is very easy to make! And it’s so delicious, your family will be so excited to see it on the table! Pair it with my favorite Caesar salad and homemade garlic knots for an amazing Italian meal.
- Boil the noodles: Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
- Skip: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cook and stir for just a minute.
- Make the sauce: Whisk the pasta water with the oil and garlic sauce on the stovetop until well blended.
- Add pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the pasta has absorbed some of the liquid. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and top with parmesan and parsley if desired.
Tips and variations of Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
I love how simple this recipe is. It makes me feel like I’m in Italy! It is simple but very tasty. Here are some tips and ways to change it up to your liking!
- Water for pasta is important! Using the pasta water in the sauce is important because the starch in the water left by the pasta will allow the water and oil to emulsify (mix). Normal water will separate from the oil.
- Change the dough! For the pasta, I use regular spaghetti, but you can use angel hair, fettuccine, or linguine!
- Can’t stand the heat? Red pepper flakes are optional; If you don’t like spices, you can leave them out! If you like it spicier, you can add more!
- Quality is key! Since the star of this pasta is the olive oil and garlic, I recommend using fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
How to Store Leftover Aglio e Olio Pasta
This is a great dish to have quick and easy lunches throughout the week. Add some chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a change. Here are my tips for storing and reheating leftover spaghetti aglio e olio!
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: I save about a cup of pasta water to use when reheating. The starchy water helps thin the sauce without breaking it up. Reheat in the microwave in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring each time. Add a little pasta water, one or two teaspoons at a time, as needed.
- Freezer: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More delicious pasta recipes
My favorite thing is a simple pasta dinner! Since I returned from Italy, I can’t stop craving their pasta. Here are some other family favorites you’re sure to love!
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Fix it
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Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cook and stir for just a minute.
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Carefully whisk the pasta water with the oil and garlic sauce on the stovetop until well blended.
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Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the pasta has absorbed some of the liquid.
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Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and top with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Calories: 446caloriesCarbohydrates: 58gramProtein: 10gramFat: 19gramSaturated fats: 3gramPolyunsaturated fats: 2gramMonounsaturated fats: 13gramSodium: 8mgPotassium: 188mgFiber: 3gramSugar: 2gramVitamin A: 50UIVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is calculated automatically and should only be used as an estimate.
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