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Spaghetti Aglio e Olio uses simple ingredients to create a dish bursting with flavor! With just garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, pasta, and parmesan cheese, this classic Italian recipe is a go-to for a tasty meal in less than 30 minutes.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simply Delicious: This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something elegant without the fuss.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes. Omit the red pepper flakes if you don’t want spice. You can even add in some protein, like chicken or shrimp. Veggies like spinach, zucchini, bell pepper, or mushrooms would also be tasty.
Ingredients in Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
There are only 5 simple ingredients that go into this recipe, and you likely already have them in your kitchen. For exact measurements, look for the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Spaghetti: The perfect pasta to absorb all the delicious garlic flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for a rich sauce.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the oil with a savory taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just a kick of heat! Use as much or as little as you’d like.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors in this simple dish.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Gives the noodles the perfect cheesy finish.
How to Make Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
This recipe is a breeze to make! And it’s so delicious that your family will be very excited to see it at the dinner table! Pair it with my favorite Caesar salad and homemade garlic knots for an amazing Italian meal.
- Boil the Noodles: Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
- Sauté: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cook, and stir for just a minute.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk the pasta water into the oil and garlic sauce on the stove until they are well mixed.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stir, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the pasta has absorbed some of the liquid. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, and top with parmesan and parsley if desired.
Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Tips and Variations
I love how simple this recipe is. It makes me feel like I am in Italy! It’s simple but so flavorful. Here are some tips and ways to change it up to suit your taste!
- Pasta Water: Using the pasta water in the sauce is important because the starch in the water left by the pasta will allow the water and oil to emulsify (mix). Regular water will separate from the oil.
- Pasta Varieties to Use: For the pasta, I use regular spaghetti noodles, but you can use angel hair, fettuccine, or linguine!
- For Less Heat: Red pepper flakes are optional, if you don’t like spice you can leave it out! If you like it more spicy, you can add more!
- Flavor Tip: Since the star of this pasta is olive oil and garlic, I highly suggest using fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
How to Store Leftover Pasta Aglio e Olio
This is a great dish to make so you have quick and easy lunches throughout the week. Add some chicken, salmon, or shrimp to change it up. Here are my tips for storing and reheating leftover spaghetti aglio e olio!
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: I save about a cup of pasta water to use when reheating. The starchy water helps thin the sauce without breaking it. Reheat in the microwave in 20-30 second bursts, stirring each time. Add a little pasta water, a teaspoon or two at a time, as needed.
- Freezer: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes
I’m all about a simple pasta dinner! Ever since I got back from Italy, I can’t stop craving their pasta. Here are a few other family favs that you’re sure to love!
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Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cook, and stir for just a minute.
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Carefully whisk the pasta water into the oil and garlic sauce on the stove until they are well mixed.
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Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stir, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the pasta has absorbed some of the liquid.
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Remove from heat, season with salt, and pepper, and top with parmesan cheese, and parsley if desired.
Calories: 446kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 10gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 188mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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