Go Back
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Maria G. Brooks
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple, yet flavorful Italian pasta dish made with just a handful of ingredients: pasta, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley.
It's quick to prepare and offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors.
The beauty of this dish lies in its minimalism, allowing the quality of each ingredient to shine through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal, Protein: 8g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fiber: 2g, Fat: 15g, Saturated fat: 2g, Unsaturated fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 5mg (with Parmesan cheese), Sodium: 450mg (depends on salt and Parmesan used), Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value, Vitamin C: 15% of the Daily Value, Calcium: 6% of the Daily Value, Iron: 10% of the Daily Value
Estimated based on one serving (assuming 4 servings per batch)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • 1 Large skillet or frying pan
  • 1 colander (for draining pasta)
  • 1 wooden spoon or tongs (for stirring)
  • 1 chef’s knife (for chopping garlic and parsley)
  • 1 Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340g spaghetti
  • 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup 60ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup 10g fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup 30g grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Garlic Oil:

  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add Red Pepper Flakes:

  • Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their heat.

Combine Pasta and Garlic Oil:

  • Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the garlic and oil mixture. Toss well, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to help the oil coat the pasta evenly.

Season and Serve:

  • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the chopped parsley and toss to combine. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use Good Olive Oil: The olive oil plays a crucial role in this recipe, so opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for garlic intensity. You can also add minced garlic instead of sliced garlic if you prefer a stronger flavor.
  • Heat Level: Customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chopped chilies for a more intense heat.
  • Vegan Version: Skip the Parmesan cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
  • Extra Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a poached egg for extra protein if desired.
Keyword Spaghetti Aglio e Olio