Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – Classic Italian Recipes for Dinner
Spread the love
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – Classic Italian Recipes for Dinner
Alright, if you’re anything like me, you’ve likely found yourself staring into your pantry, wondering how to whip up something delicious with just a handful of ingredients. Enter Spaghetti Aglio e Olio—the ultimate “kitchen hero” that delivers rich, simple flavor without all the fuss. The smell of garlic sizzling gently in olive oil, with just a hint of red pepper flakes, is honestly like a warm hug after a busy day. And the best part? It’s ready in under 20 minutes! I can’t wait to take you through how to pull this classic Italian dish together with confidence and ease.
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
12 ounces spaghetti
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How I Make It
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Save about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon for the sauce!
Step 2:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add the thinly sliced garlic and gently sauté it, stirring frequently, until it turns golden and fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully here; burnt garlic will add bitterness.
Step 3:
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds to bloom the heat. Then, add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet to infuse that garlicky oil with a silky texture.
Step 4:
Add the drained spaghetti right into the skillet. Toss everything together over low heat, allowing the noodles to soak up the garlicky, peppery oil. If it looks a bit dry, splash in more pasta water until you get your desired consistency.
Step 5:
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant punch of color and flavor.
Step 6:
Plate your pasta and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle a generous handful of Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately and enjoy every garlicky, peppery bite!
Variations & Tips
Add toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the silky pasta.
Swap spaghetti for linguine or fettuccine if you want a slightly wider noodle.
Use extra garlic if you’re a true garlic lover—just be careful not to burn it!
For an herb twist, try basil or oregano instead of parsley.
If you want a protein boost, toss in some sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken.
When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or pasta water to keep the pasta moist.
How I Like to Serve It
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal when you want something comforting but not heavy. For a little dinner party flair, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crusty Italian bread to soak up all that garlicky goodness.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of pasta water or olive oil to revive its texture.
Closing: This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes bring the most satisfying flavors to the table.
Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes. Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.
