Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta dish? This classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is perfect for a quick dinner with bold flavors. The secret is in perfectly toasting the garlic to achieve its rich, golden flavor. Follow this recipe for an authentic taste of Italy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 4
What Is Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a traditional Italian dish made with simple ingredients: pasta, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This pasta dish is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and showcases the beauty of using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
- Spaghetti: The base of the dish. Make sure it’s cooked al dente for the perfect bite.
- Garlic: Thinly sliced and slowly toasted to bring out its full flavor.
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil infuses the dish with richness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: This adds a nutty, savory finish to the pasta.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.
How to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of uncooked spaghetti and cook for 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.
Step 2: Toast the Garlic
- In a cold skillet, add ½ cup olive oil and 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Slowly heat over medium to toast the garlic, cooking for about 10 minutes. When the oil begins to bubble, lower the heat and continue stirring until the garlic turns golden brown, about 5 more minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Toss the drained spaghetti with the garlic-infused olive oil. Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle in ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and half of the 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Toss until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano. For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon of butter when tossing the pasta with cheese.
Recipe Tips:
- For perfect flavor, be patient while toasting the garlic — it needs to reach a rich golden brown but not burn.
- Want more heat? Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 755
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 87g
- Protein: 23g
- Sodium: 355mg
This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is not just easy to make but bursting with flavor. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this simple yet satisfying pasta dish is a must-try! Enjoy a taste of Italy in just 25 minutes.