Zesty Garlic Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe: Italian Magic

Comfort flows through every strand of this classic spaghetti aglio e olio recipe that promises pure Italian magic.

Garlic and olive oil dance together in a timeless culinary romance that speaks directly to the soul.

Simple ingredients create extraordinary flavors when prepared with passion and respect for tradition.

Minimal components become a symphony of taste that transports you straight to a charming Italian kitchen.

Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes add depth and character to this beloved pasta dish.

The brilliant technique transforms basic pantry staples into a luxurious meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

You’ll savor every bite of this straightforward yet deeply satisfying pasta that celebrates the beauty of uncomplicated cooking.

What You’ll Need For Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

• Spaghetti: Classic long noodle that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for authentic texture.

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth base for the sauce, select extra virgin for deeper Mediterranean taste.
• Garlic: Delivers powerful aromatic punch, choose fresh, firm cloves without green sprouts for best flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and vibrant kick, adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbal freshness to the dish, select crisp, vibrant green leaves.
• Salt: Elevates and balances overall flavor profile, use sea salt or kosher salt for clean taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, subtle heat, freshly ground offers most intense flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds rich, salty depth, choose authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for best results.
• Lemon: Optional bright accent that cuts through richness, select firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin.

Tools To Make Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of salted water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing garlic and creating the sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked spaghetti quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Great for stirring and tossing pasta in the skillet.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Measuring cups: Help measure pasta water and olive oil precisely.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Steps To Cook Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Slide spaghetti into the bubbling water and cook until perfectly tender. Save a splash of the cooking water before draining.

• Create Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Drop in thin garlic slices and let them dance until they turn a gorgeous golden color. Sprinkle red pepper flakes to give the oil a spicy kick.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the drained spaghetti into the fragrant pan. Pour in a bit of reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together. The starchy water helps create a silky, smooth coating that hugs each strand of pasta.

• Finish and Elevate

Scatter fresh parsley over the pasta. Grind some black pepper and add a pinch of salt. If you’re feeling fancy, grate some Parmesan on top or squeeze a wedge of lemon for extra brightness. Serve hot and enjoy the simple magic of this classic Italian dish.

Garlic Tips For Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

• Garlic Infusion Technique: Slice garlic thinly and watch closely while sautéing to prevent burning. Golden color means perfect flavor without bitterness.
• Pasta Water Magic: Always save a bit of starchy pasta water – it helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti perfectly.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference. Less for mild, more for fiery kick or completely omit for zero spiciness.
• Dietary Adaptations: Make this recipe gluten-free by using zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. For vegan version, skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast as cheese alternative.
• Quick Flavor Boosters: Enhance basic recipe by adding toasted pine nuts, crispy breadcrumbs, or chopped anchovies for extra depth and texture without complicated steps.

Serve Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe Light And Fresh

• Rustic Italian Feast Night: Set the scene with a checkered tablecloth, candles, and rustic bread for an authentic trattoria experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled shrimp, seared chicken, or crispy pancetta for a hearty protein boost that transforms the simple pasta into a complete meal.
• Fresh Herb Garden: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley, basil, or chives right before serving to add bright, vibrant flavor and gorgeous green color that makes the dish pop.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to complement the garlic and pepper notes of the pasta.

Save Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe Easily

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container, keeping it cool for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain flavor integrity.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil, stirring frequently to restore original texture and prevent sticking. Avoid microwave if possible for best results.
• Sauce Separation Solution: When refrigerating, the olive oil might solidify – simply let the pasta sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before reheating to restore smooth consistency.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Consider adding fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan when reheating to refresh the dish's vibrant taste and restore its appetizing appearance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 563 kcal

Servings: 5

Rustic Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spaghetti aglio e olio brings classic Italian simplicity to pasta lovers’ tables. Garlic, olive oil, and parsley create a minimalist masterpiece that celebrates Naples’ culinary heritage with bold, clean flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, following package instructions. Carefully reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Gently sauté minced garlic until it transforms into a delicate golden color, being cautious to prevent burning. Introduce red pepper flakes, allowing them to infuse the oil with a subtle heat and vibrant flavor.
3. Pasta Integration: Add drained spaghetti to the fragrant skillet, incorporating reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta thoroughly, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated with the garlicky, spicy oil. Adjust liquid to create a luxurious, silky sauce that embraces the noodles.
4. Final Flourish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, season with salt and black pepper. For an extra layer of decadence, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a zesty squeeze of lemon. Serve immediately to preserve the dish’s temperature and dynamic flavors.

Notes

• Control Garlic Browning: Watch carefully to prevent burning, as garlic turns bitter when scorched; aim for a gentle golden color that releases sweet, nutty flavors without darkening.
• Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: Starchy cooking liquid is crucial for creating a silky sauce; save about 1/2 cup to help bind ingredients and provide smooth, glossy texture to the pasta.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize red pepper flakes based on heat tolerance; start with a small pinch and gradually increase for personalized flavor intensity without overwhelming the dish.
• Balance Olive Oil Quality: Use extra-virgin olive oil for authentic taste; its robust flavor significantly impacts the recipe’s overall depth and authenticity of traditional Italian preparation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 563
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 73 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg