Recipe for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Let me show you how I make a classic Italian dish that’s as simple as it is delicious: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. From my own personal experience, this dish is a real winner when you need a quick, flavorful meal with just a few pantry staples. Originating from Naples in Southern Italy, this dish is the epitome of Italian simplicity, focusing on just spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and a few other ingredients for seasoning.

Recipe for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Equipment:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large pan or skillet
• Tongs or spoon for tossing pasta
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Method:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (it should taste like the sea). Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes for al dente.
2. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This will help emulsify the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Oil

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook slowly until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. Stir frequently.
2. Once the garlic is golden, add the red pepper flakes and stir for a few seconds to release their flavor.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic oil mixture, tossing to coat the spaghetti evenly.
2. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta well.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley, lemon zest (if using), and black pepper to taste.
2. Optionally, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Variations and Tips:

• For a Protein Boost: Add anchovies or sautéed shrimp to the garlic oil for a richer dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti; the method remains the same.
• For More Heat: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili oil.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: Around 400-450 kcal (without cheese)
• Carbs: 50-55g
• Fat: 20-25g (mostly from olive oil)
• Protein: 8-10g

What to Expect:

When done correctly, this dish is a perfect balance of rich, garlicky oil, subtle heat from the pepper flakes, and a fresh note from the parsley. The pasta will have a silky texture, and the flavors will meld beautifully. This is a comforting, satisfying dish with minimal effort!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cost: Moderate, depending on the quality of olive oil
Cuisine: Italian, Southern Italian
Course: Main

I hope this guide has made making Spaghetti Aglio e Olio seem a little less daunting, or maybe you’ve tried it before? Please, be honest and let me know in the comments below, I love hearing feedback from a real person like you!