Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

When you’re craving something quick, simple, and downright delicious, Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is your go-to dish. It’s the kind of meal that proves less is more. With just a handful of ingredients—garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and, of course, pasta—you can create something that tastes like it’s been crafted by a professional chef. The garlic sizzles in the olive oil, infusing the dish with its rich aroma, while the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of kick. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that’s so simple, but every bite is packed with flavor. It’s an absolute winner when you want something comforting, quick, and satisfying!

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

This dish is one of those “wow, that was amazing, and I didn’t even need to spend hours in the kitchen” moments. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Simple Yet Flavorful: Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most flavorful dishes. The garlic and olive oil work together beautifully, creating a savory base that’s perfectly complemented by the heat from the red pepper flakes.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in 20 minutes or less! This is the perfect dish for busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have time for a complicated recipe.
• Versatile: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes. Want a bit more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes. Feeling fancy? Toss in some fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese to take it up a notch.
• Light and Satisfying: The light olive oil sauce makes this dish feel rich and comforting without weighing you down. It’s perfect when you want a meal that’s filling but not heavy.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious, restaurant-quality dish. It’s an affordable meal that feels indulgent!

Ingredients in Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple, yet stunning, dish:

Spaghetti:

The classic pasta for this dish! Long, thin strands of spaghetti are ideal for soaking up the garlicky olive oil sauce. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a twist.

Olive Oil:

A key player in this dish! A good quality extra virgin olive oil brings richness and flavor to the sauce, making it shine.

Garlic:

The heart of this dish! Garlic is sautéed in olive oil to create a fragrant, savory base that gives the dish its signature taste.

Red Pepper Flakes:

For a little heat! Red pepper flakes bring a spicy kick to balance the richness of the olive oil and the garlic.

Parsley:

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish and giving it a burst of flavor.

Salt and Pepper:

Simple seasoning to bring everything together. Adjust to taste depending on how you like it.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your Spaghetti Aglio E Olio? Here’s how to do it:

Cook the Spaghetti:

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later.

Sauté the Garlic:

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté it gently until it becomes golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Add Red Pepper Flakes:

Once the garlic is golden, add the red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds, letting the heat from the oil bring out their flavor.

Toss the Pasta:

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss the pasta in the oil until it’s well coated. If the pasta feels a bit dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce comes together and coats the pasta perfectly.

Season:

Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss in the fresh parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve:

Serve your Spaghetti Aglio E Olio immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if desired. Dig in and enjoy every garlicky, flavorful bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 9g
Vitamin A: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 300mg

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders to cut through the richness of the olive oil and garlic.
• Garlic Bread: If you love garlic, go ahead and serve a side of crispy garlic bread for dipping into that flavorful sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini would complement the dish and add some extra texture and nutrients.
• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For some extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would make a fantastic addition to this dish, turning it into a heartier meal.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly sliced garlic gives the best flavor, so avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
• Olive Oil Quality Matters: Since olive oil is a key ingredient in this dish, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Skip the Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a vegan-friendly meal that’s just as flavorful.
• Add Lemon: For a fresh citrusy twist, squeeze a little lemon juice over the pasta before serving. It adds a burst of freshness that really brightens the dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can use any long pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine. The recipe will work with whatever pasta you prefer.

Q2: What if I don’t like spicy food?
A2: You can skip the red pepper flakes entirely or use a very small amount to add a hint of heat without making it too spicy.

Q3: Can I add other ingredients like vegetables or protein?
A3: Definitely! You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or pasta water to bring it back to life.

Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: It’s best to enjoy Spaghetti Aglio E Olio fresh, but if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can cook the pasta and garlic mixture separately and toss them together right before serving.

Q6: Can I use pre-minced garlic?
A6: While fresh garlic is ideal for this dish, you can use pre-minced garlic if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to sauté it carefully to avoid burning.

Q7: How can I make this dish more filling?
A7: Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal. You could also serve it with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Q8: Can I freeze Spaghetti Aglio E Olio?
A8: It’s not ideal to freeze this dish as pasta tends to change texture after freezing. However, you can freeze the sauce and reheat it when you’re ready to cook fresh pasta.

Q9: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A9: Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. The sauce will be just as flavorful!

Q10: How do I add extra flavor to this dish?
A10: You can add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty touch. A sprinkle of Parmesan is also a great option for added richness.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is the kind of dish that’s perfect when you want something simple yet full of flavor. It’s light, easy to make, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this pasta is sure to impress. So next time you need a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, reach for this recipe—you’ll be so glad you did!

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