Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio)
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that celebrates simplicity and flavor. Made with just a few pantry staples — garlic, olive oil, spaghetti, a little red chili flakes, and some parsley — it comes together in minutes and is perfectly acceptable for any occasion. Whether you want a fast weeknight meal or a fancy dish to impress your guests, this recipe is where you should go.
Here’s what to know about making this simple, tasty meal step by step, plus how to make sure it comes out just right every time.
What is Aglio e Olio?
“Aglio e Olio” means “garlic and oil” in Italian. While the final result sounds deceptively simple, the dish comes from Naples, and embodies the beauty of Italian cooking: you take just a few high-quality ingredients, combine them, and the end product is something magical. It’s simple, but Aglio e Olio is packed with flavor, courtesy of its garlic-scented olive oil, and a little heat from red chili flakes as well.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio ingredients
To serve 4, you will need:
400g (14 oz) spaghetti
6–8 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or to taste)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
Optional: Grated vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for garnish
Step By Step Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Use a heavy hand with salt — this is where you get to season the pasta itself.
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
Save 1 cup pasta water before draining. This starchy water is essential for making a velvety sauce later.
STEP 2 Prepare the garlic-infused oil
When the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the garlic, sliced thin, to the oil. Gently stir, cook over medium heat until the garlic is golden and fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Careful not to burn them or they will be bitter.
Add the red chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds to open their flavor up.
Step 3: Mix Sauce into Pasta
Dump the drained spaghetti into the skillet of garlic oil.
Add the pasta and toss to coat it evenly with the flavored oil. If it feels dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add salt to taste, and freshly ground black pepper, too if you want.
Step 4: Add Fresh Parsley
Off the heat, add in the chopped parsley on top of the pasta.
Add some fresh parsley and toss again to bring everything together.
Tips for Perfect Aglio e Olio
Use Good Quality Ingredients — There are so few ingredients that quality is important. Use good-quality olive oil, fresh garlic and good spaghetti.
Don’t Burn the Garlic: You want to cook the garlic over medium heat and pay close attention to it. And golden, fragrant garlic is the key to the dish.
Salt the Pasta Water: This is your one and only opportunity to season the pasta itself, so don’t go light on the salt.
Hold Back Pasta: The starchy water from the pasta helps form a creamy sauce that hangs onto the spaghetti.
Control Heat: Taste and add more or less chili flakes to match your heat preference.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Quick ‘n’ Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, ideal for busy nights.
Few Ingredients: This is such an easy meal with pantry staples.
Adaptable: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes or greens, like spinach, if you like.
Vegan & Versatile: Vegan by nature and perfect for all events.
Variations to Try
With Vegetables: Stir in sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to make it more substantial.
With Added Protein: If you want to amp up the protein, stir in roasted chickpeas, tofu, or vegan sausage.
With Lemon: drizzled fresh lemon juice over the pasta for a zingy hit.
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free spaghetti for a celiac-safe version.
Aglio e Olio pairs beautifully with:
A green salad of arugula or mixed greens.
Garlic bread or focaccia to go with it for a little indulgence.
A cold white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
Storing and Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently in a skillet, with a splash of water or olive oil to help revive the flavors.
Why Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
It is this dish and its proof that something simple can be delicious. It’s a simple meal that’s quick to put together, but seems fancy. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or a cooking expert, Aglio e Olio is something anyone can make and eat.
With a handful of pantry staples and a little love, you can throw together a meal that’s more than just victuals it’s an ode to the magic of Italian cooking. Try this recipe, and feel the magic of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio!
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