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.