spaghetti pasta dressed with a generous amount of olive oil and topped with grated Parmesan cheese, minced fresh garlic, a small amount of red chili flakes and fresh green parsley garnish

Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil (Aglio e Olio) Recipe

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Spaghetti with garlic and olive oil, Aglio e Olio, is a classic Italian pasta dish that is simple yet packed with flavor. Made with just a few ingredients—spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes—this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal.

The recipe highlights the importance of using high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic to enhance the overall taste. It’s a great option for those looking for a light and satisfying pasta dish.

Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

This dish features al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil sauce, finished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  4. Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste and toss in chopped parsley. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 400kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g

This recipe is part of my 35 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!

Jeff Campbell
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