Aglio e Olio is a simple yet divine Italian pasta dish made with just garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and spaghetti.
Dreaming of a dinner date with just you and a bowl of spicy, garlicky comfort? Welcome to your solo culinary adventure! Get ready to whip up aglio olio that’s so mouthwateringly good, even your kitchen might ask for a second serving.
Aglio Olio Recipe
Brace yourself for the simplest yet most divine pasta dish to ever grace your kitchen: Aglio Olio. This classic Italian delight is minimalist, yet bursting with flavor from the holy trinity of garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti. We can’t promise you won’t want seconds!
- Cooking Method: Sautéing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 oz (85 g) spaghetti
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic slices and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Careful there–no one likes burnt garlic!
- Stir in red pepper flakes and salt. Lower the heat to medium-low.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss and coat in the garlicky oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve saucy perfection.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired.
- Mangia! (That means eat up in Italian.)
Suggestions
- Alternative Ingredients: Experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti. Feeling adventurous? Add anchovies or olives!
- Garnishing Options: Freshly squeezed lemon juice, a handful of toasted pine nuts, or even a poached egg on top.
- Cooking Tips: Don’t let the garlic get too crispy. If you do, you might as well be eating charcoal spaghetti.
