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.

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.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first but this is a staple now. 👌
I tried it and burnt the garlic! 😩 I guess that’s what happens when you get distracted. Maybe a timer would help.
I totally know how that feels! Garlic can go from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat. A timer is a great idea! 🍝
Just made it! It was bland. Needed more salt for sure.
I thought it was too oily. Maybe less oil next time?
I usually love oil in my pasta! But yeah, maybe try it with just a bit less oil next time. It’s all about what you like, right?
Too oily? Seriously? I thought the whole point of Aglio e Olio is the oil! You might just not be a fan of it. 🤷♀️
What’s the point of cooking spaghetti? It’s just noodles. Boring.
OMG, made this for my husband and he loved it!!! 😊
This was sooo good! I love how simple it is. I added a bit of lemon juice for extra flavor!
I’m not a chef, but even I could make this! Thanks for the easy instructions.
This is awesome! I added some shrimp and it was amazing. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you liked it! Shrimp sounds like a great addition. Did you use fresh or frozen shrimp?
I dunno, adding shrimp to spaghetti aglio e olio seems like too much. It’s just supposed to be garlic and oil, right?
Had to add chicken to make it better. Not filling enough on its own.
Spaghetti good! Make again! 🍝
Took me back to Italy! The best comfort food! 🍝❤️
This recipe is a classic! I’ve made it countless times, always gets rave reviews.
This dish is so simple yet soooo good! I can’t believe how few ingredients it takes to taste so amazing! 🍝
Why do people put so much oil? It’s gotta be unhealthy…
This was so simple and delicious! I will definitely make it again.
I totally agree! It’s such a quick dish and tastes amazing. I’ve made it three times this week!
Really good, but next time I will use more garlic! I love garlic.
More garlic sounds awesome! Garlic makes everything better!
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.
Delicious! But I think I would add more garlic next time. 😍
I don’t get why this is a big deal. It’s just pasta and garlic! 😒
It was okay. Maybe try more garlic? Idk, I just wanted more flavor!
I think garlic is key in this dish! More would definitely elevate the flavor. Good suggestion!
This recipe is so basic! Like, who needs a recipe to boil pasta?!
Too much garlic for my taste. I didn’t follow the recipe exactly, and now my mouth is burning lol!
This was so simple and yet so delicious! My family loved it!
Honestly, I thought it was a bit bland. Maybe add some cheese or veggies next time? Just a thought!
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!
This recipe is sooo simple and delicious! It took me only 15 min to make! Love it!
Nice recipe! But why would anyone add black pepper? It’s just spaghetti!
I think it’s unnecessary. Spaghetti is simple, why complicate it with black pepper? Seems odd.
Black pepper adds a nice kick! It’s not just spaghetti, it’s about flavor. Give it a try!
Absolutely loved it! So simple yet so delicious. Will make this again 🔥
Totally agree! It’s such a quick and tasty dish. Can’t believe I never tried it before. Thanks for sharing! 😊
Hmm I don’t know. Sounds easy, but my pasta always turns mushy. How do you get it right? 🤔
I accidentally burnt the garlic, now my kitchen stinks… 😟
It was okay, but I expected more. Maybe I undercooked the pasta? Not really worth the effort.
My pasta turned mushy, what did I do wrong? Help! 😩
Yum! I added chicken and it was even better! 🐔
Never thought of adding chicken! Sounds great! 😋
Delicious! Just like when I had in Italy. Almost as good! 😍
Spaghetti AND garlic?!!!! Mind blown! 🔥🔥🔥
I made this dish for my date, and it was a hit! Thx for sharing!
I didn’t have any parsley, so I used cilantro instead. Was pretty good! 🤷♂️
I don’t think you should use that much garlic, it’s overpowering. 2 cloves is too much!
I don’t understand why everybody loves this recipe 🤷♂️. Too much oil!
I tried this but used spaghetti noodles from a box, and it turned out weird. Stick to fresh pasta, I guess?
Perfect comfort food after a long day. Tasted great with some chicken added!
So good! I added some shrimp and it was fabulous. Highly recommend! 🌟
This was just plain spaghetti (with oil). Where’s the flavor? Mine came out dry. Not impressed.
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.
yum!!!
Totally agree! This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it out!
I don’t understand why people like this. It feels like a sad meal. Just noodles and oil? Come on.
Delicious! Just like my grandma used to make. I can almost hear her say, ‘Don’t burn the garlic!’
Yea, spaghetti is good. Easy to make for my family. 10/10 will do again.
I love this recipe! So simple and full of flavor. My kids ate it all, even my picky eater! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds good, but I prefer my spaghetti with meat sauce. Maybe it’s just me, but garlic and oil seems kinda bland.
Eh, I’ve had better at restaurants. This was kinda bland for me.
I gotta disagree! I think this pasta is simple but sooo flavorful. Maybe you just didn’t add enough seasoning?
Honestly, it was bland. I expected more flavor with just garlic and chili. Maybe I missed something? 🤔
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is my favorite dish! So easy to make on busy nights!
Garlic and chili flakes? Seems like an odd combo. Didn’t try it.
I thought it was strange too, but trust me, it works! Garlic and chili are a classic Italian combo. You gotta try it!
I tried this but didn’t have fresh parsley. I used basil instead. It tasted weird!
Why do you need to reserve pasta water? Makes no sense to me.
I can’t cook well, but this one was a success! Thanks!
Easy and quick! I like pasta that’s al dente — not mushy. 🌟
I love how simple this dish is! Perfect for a busy weeknight. Al dente is the best! 🍝
I donno about the chili flakes, it was way too spicy for my taste!
Honestly, I expected more flavor. It was kinda bland.
I dunno, I expected more flavor. It was just kinda… blah.
I thought it was pretty decent! Maybe try adding some parmesan on top next time?
But it’s just spaghetti! How much more flavour do you want? It’s a simple dish!
Perfect for a quick dinner! I had everything at home.
Looks easy but where’s the flavor? I need more than just garlic and oil.
I totally agree! This is my go-to recipe when I’m in a hurry. So tasty!
This was so easy and delicious! I couldn’t believe how good it turned out. 🍝