Rating: 3.70
(53)

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

August 5, 2024

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a dish that proves simple ingredients can create the most delicious meals. Originating from Naples, Italy, this classic pasta dish is made with just a handful of ingredients: garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and, of course, spaghetti. It’s the epitome of Italian comfort food – quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavor despite its simplicity.

What makes Spaghetti Aglio e Olio so special is how it transforms basic pantry staples into a rich and flavorful meal. The key to this dish lies in the technique of sautéing garlic in olive oil until it’s golden and fragrant. As the garlic infuses the oil, it creates a fragrant base that is then brought to life with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. The pasta soaks up this oil, resulting in a dish that is light yet deeply satisfying.

This dish is perfect for those moments when you don’t have much time but still want a delicious, homemade meal. It’s a true testament to the power of minimalism in cooking, you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something that tastes incredible. It’s also a versatile dish; you can easily add your own twists by incorporating ingredients like anchovies, parsley, or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

While Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is traditionally made with spaghetti, it can be paired with any pasta shape you prefer. The beauty of this dish is that it’s incredibly adaptable, so you can make it your own depending on what’s in your kitchen. Plus, it’s an affordable option for when you need a quick dinner that won’t break the bank.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is sure to impress. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare but delivers on taste, making it a staple in Italian homes and kitchens worldwide. It’s the perfect reminder that sometimes the best meals come from the simplest ingredients.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
3.70 from 53 votes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with just a few simple ingredients: garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g spaghetti
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red chili flakes, and sauté until the garlic is golden brown, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic and oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 400kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: italian cuisine, pasta, Quick Recipes
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar Tracie Heathcote III says:

    4 stars
    Honestly, I was skeptical at first but this is a staple now. 👌

  2. 2 stars
    I tried it and burnt the garlic! 😩 I guess that’s what happens when you get distracted. Maybe a timer would help.

    1. User avatar oscar.daniel47 says:

      5 stars
      I totally know how that feels! Garlic can go from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat. A timer is a great idea! 🍝

  3. 2 stars
    Just made it! It was bland. Needed more salt for sure.

  4. User avatar chong.baumbach93 says:

    5 stars
    This was sooo good! I love how simple it is. I added a bit of lemon juice for extra flavor!

  5. 5 stars
    This is awesome! I added some shrimp and it was amazing. Thanks for sharing!

    1. User avatar jerome.lemke2012 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! Shrimp sounds like a great addition. Did you use fresh or frozen shrimp?

    2. User avatar marlon.lueilwitz16 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, adding shrimp to spaghetti aglio e olio seems like too much. It’s just supposed to be garlic and oil, right?

  6. User avatar lamont.windler2013 says:

    3 stars
    Had to add chicken to make it better. Not filling enough on its own.

  7. User avatar bell.medhurst15 says:

    4 stars
    Spaghetti good! Make again! 🍝

  8. User avatar berta.rosenbaum says:

    2 stars
    Why do people put so much oil? It’s gotta be unhealthy…

  9. User avatar felix.hegmann95 says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy to make, and it tasted amazing! I added some grated parmesan on top, and wow! Can’t wait to make it again.

  10. User avatar benny.roob1988 says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! But I think I would add more garlic next time. 😍

  11. User avatar wilfred.runte76 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why this is a big deal. It’s just pasta and garlic! 😒

  12. 3 stars
    It was okay. Maybe try more garlic? Idk, I just wanted more flavor!

    1. User avatar Spriggan Matron says:

      5 stars
      I think garlic is key in this dish! More would definitely elevate the flavor. Good suggestion!

  13. User avatar rufina.legros1951 says:

    3 stars
    Too much garlic for my taste. I didn’t follow the recipe exactly, and now my mouth is burning lol!

  14. 5 stars
    This was so simple and yet so delicious! My family loved it!

    1. User avatar Ford Prefect says:

      3 stars
      Honestly, I thought it was a bit bland. Maybe add some cheese or veggies next time? Just a thought!

    2. 5 stars
      I’m glad you and your family enjoyed it! Aglio e Olio is a classic for a reason. It’s so easy but packed with flavor!

  15. User avatar doug.parker2005 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is sooo simple and delicious! It took me only 15 min to make! Love it!

  16. 3 stars
    Nice recipe! But why would anyone add black pepper? It’s just spaghetti!

    1. User avatar Falmer Warmonger says:

      2 stars
      I think it’s unnecessary. Spaghetti is simple, why complicate it with black pepper? Seems odd.

    2. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

      5 stars
      Black pepper adds a nice kick! It’s not just spaghetti, it’s about flavor. Give it a try!

  17. User avatar Emerita White Sr. says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved it! So simple yet so delicious. Will make this again 🔥

    1. User avatar gerald.oreilly says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! It’s such a quick and tasty dish. Can’t believe I never tried it before. Thanks for sharing! 😊

    2. User avatar germaine.boehm14 says:

      3 stars
      Hmm I don’t know. Sounds easy, but my pasta always turns mushy. How do you get it right? 🤔

  18. User avatar Draugr Death Overlord says:

    1 star
    I accidentally burnt the garlic, now my kitchen stinks… 😟

  19. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but I expected more. Maybe I undercooked the pasta? Not really worth the effort.

  20. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    5 stars
    Spaghetti AND garlic?!!!! Mind blown! 🔥🔥🔥

  21. 5 stars
    I made this dish for my date, and it was a hit! Thx for sharing!

  22. User avatar ethel.davis says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have any parsley, so I used cilantro instead. Was pretty good! 🤷‍♂️

  23. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    3 stars
    I don’t think you should use that much garlic, it’s overpowering. 2 cloves is too much!

  24. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

    2 stars
    I don’t understand why everybody loves this recipe 🤷‍♂️. Too much oil!

  25. User avatar Cucco Keeper says:

    2 stars
    I tried this but used spaghetti noodles from a box, and it turned out weird. Stick to fresh pasta, I guess?

  26. User avatar irvin.ferry89 says:

    4 stars
    Perfect comfort food after a long day. Tasted great with some chicken added!

  27. 1 star
    This was just plain spaghetti (with oil). Where’s the flavor? Mine came out dry. Not impressed.

  28. User avatar rodrigo.cruickshank51 says:

    4 stars
    Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is my favorite! But how can you call it authentic without anchovies? Not that I wanna sound rude but it’s the truth.

  29. 5 stars
    yum!!!

    1. User avatar lakenya.steuber says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it out!

  30. 1 star
    I don’t understand why people like this. It feels like a sad meal. Just noodles and oil? Come on.

  31. User avatar ayesha.rutherford98 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Just like my grandma used to make. I can almost hear her say, ‘Don’t burn the garlic!’

  32. User avatar Colin the Security Robot says:

    5 stars
    Yea, spaghetti is good. Easy to make for my family. 10/10 will do again.

    1. User avatar makeda.kozey29 says:

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! So simple and full of flavor. My kids ate it all, even my picky eater! Thanks for sharing!

    2. User avatar Flame Atronach says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but I prefer my spaghetti with meat sauce. Maybe it’s just me, but garlic and oil seems kinda bland.

  33. User avatar Tommy Larson III says:

    3 stars
    Eh, I’ve had better at restaurants. This was kinda bland for me.

    1. User avatar Grunthos the Flatulent says:

      4 stars
      I gotta disagree! I think this pasta is simple but sooo flavorful. Maybe you just didn’t add enough seasoning?

  34. User avatar zachary.davis72 says:

    3 stars
    Honestly, it was bland. I expected more flavor with just garlic and chili. Maybe I missed something? 🤔

  35. User avatar crystle.herzog says:

    5 stars
    Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is my favorite dish! So easy to make on busy nights!

  36. 4 stars
    I can’t cook well, but this one was a success! Thanks!

  37. 4 stars
    Easy and quick! I like pasta that’s al dente — not mushy. 🌟

    1. User avatar Spider Worker says:

      5 stars
      I love how simple this dish is! Perfect for a busy weeknight. Al dente is the best! 🍝

  38. User avatar alberta.bernier says:

    3 stars
    I donno about the chili flakes, it was way too spicy for my taste!

3.70 from 53 votes
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