Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe with Simple Garlic and Olive Oil Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

This Spaghetti Aglio E Olio recipe is a timeless favorite that brings bold flavors to your table with just a few simple ingredients. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish, which makes it ideal for busy nights when you want something quick yet satisfying. Plus, the dish highlights the natural goodness of garlic and olive oil, turning everyday pasta into a nutritious meal.

One reason you’ll enjoy this recipe is its health perks. Garlic and olive oil pack antioxidants and healthy fats that support heart health, as noted in an external resource on olive oil’s benefits. For instance, this pasta dish can be a smart choice for those watching their diet, offering a light to moderate calorie count based on how much oil you use. Whether you’re a home cook or a busy parent, its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to option for everyone from students to seniors.

Beyond ease, the recipe shines with its versatility. You can tweak it for different dietary needs, like making it vegan or gluten-free, while keeping that distinctive garlic kick. The combination of sliced garlic, chili flakes, and quality olive oil creates a memorable taste that sets it apart from other pasta dishes. If you’re new to Italian-inspired cooking, this one might just become your favorite for family dinners or quick lunches.

Key Benefits at a Glance

• Quick prep time of around 20 minutes for fast meals.
• Rich in antioxidants from garlic and healthy fats from olive oil.
• Easily adapted for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie preferences.
• Delivers a bold flavor with just a few ingredients.

To learn more about how olive oil contributes to wellness, check out this guide on 11 Proven Benefits of Olive Oil. This Spaghetti Aglio E Olio not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits into a balanced lifestyle.

Essential Ingredients for Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Spaghetti Aglio E Olio dish shine. Based on the recipe details, it focuses on fresh, simple elements that create a flavorful garlic and chili oil sauce. Let’s break down the essentials to ensure your version turns out perfectly every time.

From the provided recipe, here’s a structured list of all the ingredients mentioned, with their precise measurements for clarity:

• 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) of dried spaghetti
• 1/2 cup (about 120 ml) of good-quality olive oil
• 6 to 8 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, adjustable to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, as an optional garnish (amount not specified, use to taste)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as an optional garnish (amount not specified, use to taste)

This list covers everything needed for a complete recipe, making it straightforward for home cooks to shop and prepare. Each item plays a role in building the dish’s signature taste and texture. For instance, the olive oil helps emulsify with pasta water for a glossy sauce, while garlic adds that aromatic punch.

Tips for Ingredient Selection

Choosing high-quality items, like extra virgin olive oil, enhances the flavor profile. If you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, try exploring creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipes on our site for complementary ideas.

This table helps visualize how each component contributes, ensuring you don’t miss anything when prepping.

How to Prepare the Perfect Spaghetti Aglio E Olio: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting the timing right is essential for this Spaghetti Aglio E Olio, as it comes together in just about 20 minutes. Start by cooking the pasta to achieve that ideal al dente texture, then infuse the oil with garlic and chili for maximum flavor. Follow these steps closely to avoid common pitfalls like burning the garlic.

As per the recipe details, begin with cooking 1 pound of dried spaghetti in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until it’s one minute short of al dente. At the same time, heat the 1/2 cup of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the 6 to 8 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic is lightly golden remember to remove from heat if it starts to brown too quickly.

Once the pasta is nearly ready, use tongs to transfer it straight into the pan with the garlic oil. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the hot, starchy pasta water and toss everything together to coat the spaghetti evenly. If the sauce looks dry, add another 1/4 cup of pasta water and keep mixing until it’s glossy and emulsified. Finally, season with salt and more red pepper flakes if you want extra spice, then serve right away with garnishes like chopped parsley or grated Parmesan.

1. Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until almost al dente.
2. Heat oil, garlic, and chili flakes in a pan over medium heat.
3. Transfer pasta to the pan and add pasta water to create the sauce.
4. Toss and season before serving immediately.

For more garlic-infused pasta ideas, check out garlic butter steak lightning noodles for a twist on flavors.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Making Spaghetti Aglio E Olio your own is simple with a few smart swaps. This dish is naturally flexible, allowing additions for protein or adjustments for dietary restrictions. Whether you’re aiming for more nutrition or less calories, these changes keep the core taste intact.

For protein boosts, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the mix. If gluten is a concern, swap the spaghetti with gluten-free options like rice or corn pasta. To lighten it up, reduce the olive oil to make it lower in calories while still enjoying that garlic essence.

You can also incorporate vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra vitamins. Experiment with herbs like basil or a splash of lemon zest to vary the flavors without straying from the original. These tweaks ensure the recipe stays inclusive for all, from busy professionals to diet-conscious folks.

Mastering Spaghetti Aglio E Olio: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Spaghetti Aglio E Olio to the next level involves some pro techniques and creative twists. Start with high-quality olive oil and evenly sliced garlic to prevent uneven cooking and bitter flavors. Infuse the oil over low heat to draw out the best tastes, then emulsify it with pasta water for that perfect glossy finish.

For variations, try adding toasted breadcrumbs for crunch or grated Parmesan for richness. You might incorporate smoked chili flakes or anchovies for deeper umami. Presentation matters too serve on warmed plates with a fresh parsley garnish and a drizzle of oil to make it look as good as it tastes.

If you’re prepping ahead, make the garlic-infused oil in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh and combine just before eating to keep everything optimal. This approach works well for food enthusiasts exploring new flavors.

How to Store Spaghetti Aglio E Olio: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Spaghetti Aglio E Olio tasting fresh for leftovers. As mentioned in the recipe details, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days to preserve its texture. Avoid freezing, as the oil can separate and make the dish less appealing.

When reheating, use a skillet over low heat and add a bit of pasta water to restore the sauce’s consistency. This method prevents drying out and maintains the emulsified quality. For meal prep, prepare components separately and combine them right before serving for the best results.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

🍝 Enjoy the classic Italian simplicity of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a quick and flavorful dish made with garlic and olive oil.
🌿 This recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, combining fragrant garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil for a deliciously comforting pasta experience.

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Ingredients

– 1 pound (450 grams) dried spaghetti serves as the base, absorbing the garlic oil for a hearty texture

– 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil creates the silky sauce and adds healthy fats

– 6 to 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced provides the main flavor, infusing the oil with aroma

– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes brings adjustable heat to balance the dish

– chopped fresh parsley optional garnish

– freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional garnish

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Instructions

1-Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until almost al dente.

2-Heat oil, garlic, and chili flakes in a pan over medium heat.

3-Transfer pasta to the pan and add pasta water to create the sauce.

4-Toss and season before serving immediately.

Notes

🧄 Use thinly sliced garlic and cook gently for the best flavor and to avoid bitterness.
💧 Add reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky, glossy sauce that coats the spaghetti.
🌶️ Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference for balance.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400 kcal (approximate)
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg (varies by salt used)
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, Garlic Pasta, Simple Italian Pasta, Olive Oil Sauce