Description
This classic Italian Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe features simple yet flavorful ingredients: spaghetti tossed in garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or when you crave an authentic Italian pasta dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti
Garlic Oil 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
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until it turns golden brown, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. This step infuses the oil with rich garlic flavor.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their heat into the oil.
- Toss Pasta in Garlic Oil: Reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil mixture and toss well. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
- Finish with Parsley and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley and salt to taste, balancing the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and optionally drizzle with extra olive oil for added richness. Enjoy your authentic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio while hot.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps to bind the sauce to the spaghetti perfectly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid burning it as it can turn bitter.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note – do not skip it.
- This dish can be paired with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
