This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a timeless Italian pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and spaghetti. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — a pantry-friendly recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
✨ Why This Simple Recipe Shines
✔ Uses only 5 core ingredients you already have
✔ Restaurant-quality texture with starchy pasta water magic
✔ Endlessly customizable – add veggies, protein, or herbs
✔ Midnight snack perfection (ready faster than delivery)
Ingredients:
- 6 oz (about 170g) spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Slice the Garlic
- While the pasta is cooking, thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Step 3: Heat Olive Oil and Garlic
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Pasta Water
- Just before the spaghetti is done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the spaghetti and immediately add it to the skillet with the garlic and oil.
Step 5: Toss and Add Pasta Water
- Toss the spaghetti to coat it well with the garlic and oil. If the sauce seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, tossing continuously until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water helps to create a light and emulsified sauce.
Step 6: Add Parsley and Season
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve immediately in warmed bowls. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
💎 Chef’s Secrets
✅ Garlic control: Remove from heat just before it reaches desired color (carryover cooking continues)
✅ No cheese? Add 1 tsp miso paste for umami depth
✅ Extra silky: Finish with 1 tbsp cold butter
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Calories 480 | Protein 10g | Carbs 55g |
| Fat 25g | Fiber 3g | Vegetarian ✔ |
🍽 Serving Styles
Classic Roman: Serve in warmed bowls with extra chili flakes
Luxury Upgrade: Top with seared shrimp or crispy pancetta
Bread Lover’s: Serve with garlic bread to sop up oil
Enjoy your delicious homemade Spaghetti Aglio e Olio!
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