Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the ultimate expression of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. This traditional Italian pasta dish hails from Naples and features just a handful of pantry staples—spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley—yet delivers a bold and satisfying taste. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy late-night meal, it’s a go-to recipe that proves less truly is more.
Classic Italian pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped fresh
- salt to taste
- parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it in the garlic oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until spaghetti is warmed through.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 543kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 11gFat: 27gFiber: 3g
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I tried making this, but it turned out too oily. Maybe I used too much olive oil.
Yum! Simple and tasty. Will make again. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too. 🙂
This recipe is not traditional! Aglio e Olio should never have parmesan!
But I thought you can put parmesan on anything? I love cheese! 😋
I totally disagree! A little parmesan adds so much flavor! It’s still delicious! 🧀
This is the simplest recipe ever! Loved it! The garlic flavor is just perfect.
Easy to make and super quick! Perfect for my busy nights! Thanks for sharing!
Delicious! The garlic really makes it pop. Definitely a keeper! 🧄❤️
Made this for my family, but they thought it was too oily. I liked it tho!
Why do people put parsley? It just makes it look weird. I don’t think it adds anything.
Needs more cheese!!111!! I don’t care if it’s traditional or not, just more cheese plz.
This pasta is so simple and delish! Loved how the garlic flavor stands out. Definitely a 5 from me!
I think it could use some meat… like shrimp or chicken. Just saying!
My friend told me garlic is good for health. Is it true? Anyway, I hate garlic but this was okay.
I dunno about that, I think garlic is gross too! But my mom always said it helps with colds and stuff. Still, spaghetti without garlic is a bit weird, right?
Garlic is actually really good for you! But if you can’t stand the taste, maybe try using less or finding another dish that suits your taste better.
Isn’t this just a glorified pasta? I mean, where’s the meat? Seems kinda weak.
Absolutely delicious! This is my go-to recipe now!
Meh. Not great, but not terrible. I’ve had better pasta.
It’s good, but I added chicken and veggies. Not sure if that’s allowed in real Aglio e Olio.
Super easy! My kids even liked it, and that’s a miracle. Thanks!
Absolutely love it! I could eat this every day. 👌
I dont get why people find this amazing. It’s just spaghetti with some oil and garlic. I guess if you like bland food it’s ok.
I didn’t have parsley so I used spinach. Still turned out good!
Too oily for my taste. Maybe less olive oil next time?
I have never cooked spaghetti before and this was easy! But what if I don’t have parsley?
So simple yet so good! Perfect for a quick dinner.
Tbh I thought this was gonna be complicated but it was so easy!!! Will make again.
Too much garlic!!! Who needs that much?? My breath is still awful.
Omg, I made this for a dinner party and everyone was impressed! Definitely a keeper!
It was okay, but I feel like it needs something else. Maybe some veggies?
I totally agree! Adding some bell peppers or spinach would brighten it up.
Veggies? Really? This is a classic recipe, it doesn’t need all that!
I’m not a fan of spaghetti. Prefer fettuccine tbh. But good recipe! 😂
Fettuccine is great, but you gotta give spaghetti a chance! This dish is all about the flavors. 😋
Spaghetti’s the classic! How can you not like it? 🤔
Garlic overdose!!! Maybe cut down on that!
Absolutely love this recipe! Simple yet so delicious. Will definitely make it again!
I didn’t have parmesan, so I used cheddar. Tasted weird! Just stick to the recipe, folks.
But why stick to the recipe? Cheddar can be nice if you like it! Just gotta mix it up sometimes.
I agree! Parmesan adds that special kick. Cheddar’s just not right for this dish!
My kids love this! It’s a nice change from our usual meals.
Spaghetti is like the best food ever! 😍
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? Asking for a friend.
Yeah, you can use garlic powder, but it won’t taste the same. Fresh garlic has that kick you just can’t beat! 👩🍳
I don’t get why people rave about this dish. It was just pasta with oil? Felt kinda bland.
This is just glorified butter noodles! Where’s the flavor? 😒
I think you’re missing the point! It’s all about the simplicity of the flavors. But hey, everyone has their taste! 😊
Glorified? Nah, it’s classic Italian! But if you want more flavor, maybe add some veggies or chicken?
This dish is so simple yet so delicious! My family loved it.
Totally agree! It’s a classic dish. Love how quick it is to make!
This looks too easy to be real! How can it taste good with just 5 ingredients? 🤔
I added some chicken and broccoli to it and that made it great! But without that, it was kind of plain.
Chicken? Broccoli? Isn’t that like adding too much to a classic dish? I prefer it simple like the recipe says.
I totally agree! Adding veggies like broccoli really kicks it up a notch. Without it, I find it kinda bland too. Yum!
I added some lemon juice, and it was even better! #Lifehack
I never thought of adding lemon juice, gonna try it next time! Sounds refreshing! 🍋
Lemon juice? Really? I don’t think that’s a good idea. Might mess up the flavor.
I can’t believe how easy this was! I added some chicken and it turned out amazing!
Really? Chicken with spaghetti aglio e olio? Seems weird… but whatever floats yer boat, I guess.
That sounds delicious! Chicken is a great addition. I never thought of that before. I’ll have to try it!
Yum!
I added some chicken to it and it was awesome. Thx for the idea!
Chicken? In Aglio e Olio? That’s like mixing oranges with spaghetti! Not sure about that…
Glad you enjoyed it! Chicken sounds like a delicious twist! 🍗
too much oil i think. Might try with less next time. 3 stars.
The garlic burnt a bit… I musta cooked it too long. Be careful with that but still tasted good!
Yummy! Just had this for dinner, my whole family liked it. My kids asked for seconds!