What ingredients do I need to make traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?

The traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio requires just a few simple ingredients: spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Fresh parsley is often added as a garnish. Using high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic will give the best flavor to this minimalist pasta dish.

How do I cook garlic properly without burning it in Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?

To avoid burning garlic, slice it thinly and sauté over medium to medium-low heat in olive oil. Cook it gently until it becomes fragrant and light golden, about 2-3 minutes. If the garlic starts browning too quickly, remove the pan from heat briefly. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish.

Can I customize Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with added ingredients?

Yes, while the classic recipe is simple, you can add cooked shrimp, anchovies, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh herbs like basil and parsley for extra flavor. Some also stir in grated Parmesan or lemon zest for a different twist. Just be careful not to overpower the garlic and olive oil base.

How do I make sure the pasta sauce in Aglio e Olio coats the spaghetti well?

Save some starchy pasta water after boiling the spaghetti, then toss the drained pasta with the garlic and chili oil. Gradually add the hot pasta water as you mix to help emulsify the oil and create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out. It can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad alternative.

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe With Garlic And Olive Oil Sauce

Name: Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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.

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

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