Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: A Classic Italian Recipe

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Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Large pot, colander, large skillet, wooden spoon, and a serving bowl.

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 400 g 14 oz spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust for heat preference
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Instructions

 

• Method
• Cook the Pasta:
• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
• Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti in a colander. Set aside.
• Sauté the Garlic:
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté gently until it turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
• Add Chili Flakes:
• Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil with the heat.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce:
• Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly.
• If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
• Season and Serve:
• Season with salt to taste and toss in chopped parsley for freshness.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Variations
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or anchovies.
• Vegetable Boost: Sauté some spinach or arugula with the garlic for added nutrition and flavor.
• Different Pastas: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is one of those timeless Italian dishes that showcases how simplicity can lead to incredible flavor. Made with just a few basic ingredients spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes this dish is not only quick to prepare but also brings the authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen. From my own personal experience, I can say that it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a dish that is simple yet packed with flavor. The garlic infuses the oil, creating a deliciously aromatic sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti. It’s a perfect balance of richness from the olive oil and a kick of heat from the red pepper flakes.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400
• Cost of Ingredients: $10–$15
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Large pot, colander, large skillet, wooden spoon, and a serving bowl.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Spaghetti Aglio e Olio  here.

Ingredients

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Spaghetti Aglio e Olio  here.

Method

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
   • Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti in a colander. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté gently until it turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Add Chili Flakes:
   • Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil with the heat.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly.
   • If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
5. Season and Serve:
   • Season with salt to taste and toss in chopped parsley for freshness.
   • Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or anchovies.
• Vegetable Boost: Sauté some spinach or arugula with the garlic for added nutrition and flavor.
• Different Pastas: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Spaghetti Aglio e Olio  here.

Tips

• Quality Ingredients: Use the best olive oil you can find for the richest flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Garlic: It should be golden and fragrant, not brown.
• Adjust Heat Level: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
• Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: Approximately 400
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 9g

Conclusion

I hope this guide has made making Spaghetti Aglio e Olio seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking journey and the delightful flavors of Italy!