Description
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a quick dinner that turns simple pantry ingredients into a silky, garlicky pasta you’ll want on repeat. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinner ideas, cozy food ideas, and simple Italian pasta nights when you want big flavor without a heavy sauce.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, then cook gently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it burn.
4. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well in the garlic oil.
5. Pour in a little reserved pasta water and toss until the pasta looks glossy and lightly coated. Add more pasta water as needed.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley, taste, and adjust the salt.
7. Serve hot with parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Use medium-low heat for the garlic so it turns golden and fragrant without becoming bitter.
Reserve pasta water before draining because it helps the olive oil cling to the spaghetti.
Serve immediately for the best silky texture and freshest garlic flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, dinner ideas, Italian pasta, garlic spaghetti, food ideas