Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that celebrates simplicity and bold flavors. Translating to “spaghetti with garlic and oil,” this dish combines al dente spaghetti with sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, finished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Despite its minimal ingredients, it’s packed with flavor and can be made in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, satisfying meal.
This recipe is beloved for its elegance through simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes like it belongs in a fine Italian trattoria. The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil is irresistible, and the slight heat from red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick that keeps you coming back for more.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, fast, and intensely flavorful. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of garlicky richness and subtle heat, while the olive oil coats the pasta beautifully. It’s comfort food at its finest and demonstrates that you don’t need complex ingredients to make an amazing meal.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
This is a must-try dish because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, last-minute guests, or when you want a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Its classic Italian roots make it timeless, and it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Optional: lemon zest for brightness
Cooking Directions
Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then drain.
Prepare the Garlic Oil
Sauté garlic in olive oil with red pepper flakes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss cooked spaghetti in the garlic-infused oil, add chopped parsley, and season with salt.
Serve
Plate and optionally top with Parmesan cheese or lemon zest.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until garlic is lightly golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
Step 5: If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
Step 7: Plate the spaghetti and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese and/or lemon zest.
Step 8: Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve
Serve Spaghetti Aglio e Olio hot as a main course for dinner. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or grilled vegetables. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the dish perfectly.
Recipe Tips
- Do not burn the garlic; lightly golden is ideal.
- Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce if needed.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the dish.
Variations
Protein Addition
Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
Lemon Garlic Aglio e Olio
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Cheesy Twist
Mix in freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Nutty Flavor
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts on top for texture and depth.
Vegetable Boost
Add sautéed spinach, zucchini ribbons, or cherry tomatoes for a veggie-packed version.
Freezing and Storage
Refrigeration
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of olive oil or pasta water.
Freezing
Not recommended, as the texture of spaghetti can become mushy after freezing.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for garlic oil
- Wooden spoon or tongs for tossing pasta
- Strainer for draining pasta
Conclusion
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. With minimal ingredients—garlic, olive oil, spaghetti, and a touch of red pepper—this dish proves that less is often more. Perfect for weeknight dinners, last-minute guests, or a comforting homemade meal, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves Italian cuisine and bold, simple flavors.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Description
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that celebrates simplicity and bold flavors. Translating to “spaghetti with garlic and oil,” this dish combines al dente spaghetti with sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, finished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Despite its minimal ingredients, it’s packed with flavor and can be made in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
-
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until garlic is lightly golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
-
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
-
If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
-
Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
-
Plate the spaghetti and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese and/or lemon zest.
-
Serve immediately while warm.
