There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and deliciousness of easy recipes, and spaghetti aglio e olio is the perfect example! This classic Italian dish has been my go-to for quick meals, especially after a long day when I want something that’s both comforting and flavorful. With just a handful of ingredients—garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes—you can whip up a meal that feels fancy but is incredibly straightforward. I love how the aroma of sautéed garlic fills the kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy trattoria in Italy. Trust me, once you try making this, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 400g spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 120ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)
How to Prepare Instructions
Making spaghetti aglio e olio is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every step! Let’s get cooking!
Boil the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Don’t forget to add a generous amount of salt—it should taste like the sea! Once the water’s boiling, add in your 400g of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. This means it should be firm to the bite but cooked through. You want that perfect texture to hold onto the sauce!
Prepare the Garlic Oil
While the pasta’s cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 120ml of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the 6 thinly sliced cloves of garlic and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns a lovely golden color. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin your dish!
Combine and Toss
When your spaghetti is perfectly al dente, drain it in a colander, but make sure to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water. Now, transfer the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. This little trick helps the sauce cling beautifully to your spaghetti!
Season and Serve
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in salt to taste and toss in some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, go ahead and add some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. It’s optional, but trust me, it elevates the dish to new heights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Minimal ingredients mean it’s easy on your pantry and wallet.
- Rich and aromatic flavors that come from simple, fresh ingredients.
- Customizable to suit your taste with just a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone.
- Classic Italian comfort food that impresses without the fuss.
- Leftovers taste just as good, making it a great meal prep option!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some key ingredients that make this spaghetti aglio e olio shine! First off, using fresh garlic is essential. It brings a vibrant flavor that pre-minced garlic just can’t match. The fresher, the better! If you’re in a pinch, you could use garlic powder, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a substitute for fresh.
Now, regarding the pasta, while spaghetti is traditional, feel free to swap it out for any long pasta you have on hand, like linguine or fettuccine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pasta, which works surprisingly well!
If you want to adjust the heat level, feel free to modify the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, start with half a teaspoon, and you can always add more later. On the flip side, if you love a spicy kick, you can toss in some sliced fresh chilies along with the garlic! Lastly, don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes—basil or even a squeeze of lemon juice can add a delightful zing!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your spaghetti aglio e olio, pay close attention to the garlic sautéing process. Keep the heat at medium to ensure the garlic cooks evenly without burning. If you’re unsure, start with a lower heat and be patient; the golden color is your cue for perfect flavor!
When serving, try to plate the spaghetti in a shallow bowl and twirl it for a beautiful presentation. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top adds a luscious finish. And don’t forget to sprinkle additional parsley and Parmesan for that restaurant-style touch!
Variations
The beauty of spaghetti aglio e olio is its versatility! You can easily jazz it up to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked shrimp tossed in during the final mixing. It pairs wonderfully with the garlic and olive oil. If you’re craving some extra nutrition, sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini can add vibrant color and flavor. Just toss them in with the garlic for a minute before adding the spaghetti.
Feeling adventurous? Try a sprinkle of lemon zest for a zesty twist or swap out the parsley for fresh basil for a different herbaceous note. These variations keep the dish fresh while maintaining the essence of easy recipes, proving that comfort food can also be wonderfully adaptable!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the goodness, just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients you choose and the brands you use. So, it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re tracking your intake closely!
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of spaghetti aglio e olio:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
Enjoy this delicious dish knowing it’s not only quick and easy but also packed with satisfying flavors!
Your Next Steps
Now that you’ve got the scoop on making this delightful spaghetti aglio e olio, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed—this dish is as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Once you’ve whipped it up, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Feel free to leave your feedback in the comments below.
And don’t stop there! If you put your own twist on this recipe or have any unique variations, please share them. I’m always excited to learn how others make this classic dish their own. Whether it’s a special ingredient you added or a new serving suggestion, your experiences can inspire fellow home cooks. Happy cooking!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this collection!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of garlic, you can read more here.
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easy recipes: 5 simple ways to elevate your cooking today!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick recipe for a classic spaghetti aglio e olio.
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 120ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and spaghetti. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic is golden, about 2 minutes.
- Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water. Add spaghetti to the skillet.
- Toss spaghetti in the garlic oil mixture. Add pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Season with salt and garnish with parsley.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spice preference.
- For variations, add cooked shrimp or sautéed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy recipes, spaghetti, aglio e olio, quick meals
