If you have ever wanted to make a classic Italian comfort dish that bursts with flavor yet requires few ingredients, this Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Aglio E Olio) Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s unbelievably simple, relying on the magic of garlic infused in golden olive oil, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and the freshness of parsley to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with Italian authenticity, this recipe has a way of turning basic pantry staples into a mouthwatering meal that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this recipe is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create such a vibrant dish. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the al dente spaghetti providing the perfect bite, or the garlic and olive oil bringing rich aroma and flavor that define this classic.
- 8 oz spaghetti: Choose good-quality spaghetti to hold the sauce beautifully and cook to al dente for that perfect tender yet firm texture.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is the heart of this dish, delivering that bold, aromatic punch when gently sautéed.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: This adds depth and silkiness; using high-quality olive oil really makes a difference.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste): Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the richness without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley lifts the flavors with its brightness, adding a lovely green color.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and tweaking the final dish to perfection.
How to Make Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Aglio E Olio) Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding enough salt helps flavor the pasta from within, so don’t be shy here. Add the spaghetti and cook until it reaches al dente—firm to the bite but not hard—usually 8 to 10 minutes depending on your pasta. This texture is key because it holds up beautifully when tossed with the oil and garlic sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat your extra virgin olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it gently sizzle, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to turn a lovely golden brown—this releases its sweet, deep flavors without burning and turning bitter, which would spoil the dish.
Step 3: Add Red Pepper Flakes
As soon as the garlic is golden, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds. This quick step infuses the oil with a gentle, warming heat that perfectly complements the garlicky richness without overshadowing it. Adjust the amount depending on how much kick you want.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Garlic Oil
Before draining the pasta, scoop out a cup or so of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the spaghetti but don’t rinse—this starchy coating on the noodles is what helps the sauce cling deliciously. Toss the spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic oil and gently mix. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a luscious, silky sauce that hugs every strand.
Step 5: Season and Add Fresh Parsley
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and salt to taste. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor that brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness in perfect balance.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
For the final flourish, drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil on top before serving. This finishing touch elevates the flavor and gives an inviting shine to the spaghetti. And there you have it—the classic Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Aglio E Olio) Recipe ready to delight!
How to Serve Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Aglio E Olio) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can take this dish from humble to stunning. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds a salty, nutty note that pairs beautifully with garlic and olive oil. You can also toss in a few toasted breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness and tang that elevates the dish.
Side Dishes
Because this recipe is light yet packed with flavor, it pairs well with a variety of sides. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the warmth and richness, while roasted vegetables add texture and color. Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is a classic accompaniment that helps scoop up every last drop of that delicious oil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating individual nests of spaghetti arranged with a sprig of parsley on top for elegance. You can even add a small drizzle of chili oil for extra flair. Serving this dish family-style in a large bowl encourages sharing and conversation, making the meal feel cozy and communal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The pasta may absorb some of the oil as it sits, so the texture won’t be quite the same, but the flavor remains wonderful.
Freezing
Freezing spaghetti with garlic and oil is not recommended because the texture of the pasta and the freshness of the garlic-flavored oil can suffer. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave reheating tends to dry out the noodles and dull the bright garlic flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Aglio E Olio) Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even thin bucatini. The key is using long, thin pasta that will soak up the oil beautifully.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you’re sensitive to heat, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The garlic and olive oil still create plenty of flavor without the kick.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients like olive oil, garlic, pasta, and herbs. Just check that your pasta contains no eggs if you want to be sure.
What’s the best way to mince garlic for this recipe?
Finely mince your garlic so it releases maximum flavor without large chunks. You can also thinly slice it if you prefer a more subtle garlic presence in the oil.
Can I prepare the garlic oil sauce ahead of time?
You can make the garlic-infused olive oil in advance, but it’s best to add the parsley and combine everything just before serving to keep the herbs fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Aglio E Olio) Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug from Italian cuisine—simple, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. There’s something magical about transforming just a few ingredients into a memorable meal. I encourage you to try it soon, maybe even tonight, and experience the joy of this classic for yourself. Trust me, once you do, it will become one of your go-to recipes that you’ll want to share again and again.
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Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Aglio E Olio) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce, lightly spiced with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Reserve some pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil mixture. Toss well, gradually adding the reserved pasta water to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt to taste, mixing gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, optionally drizzling with extra virgin olive oil for an added rich finish. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps to bind the sauce and coat the pasta perfectly.
- For a vegan version, this recipe is naturally suitable as is.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, fresh herbal note.
