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.
Burnt the garlic on step 2 😭 but I salvaged it. Would give it a higher rating if I didn’t mess up.
Ahh no 😭 Step 2 is so easy to overdo. The fact you salvaged it still counts! Next time just watch it like a hawk—golden, not brown-brown. Would you say it was still tasty?
I did that too once… garlic goes from “golden” to “burnt” way fast. Maybe lower the heat a lot? Also, 2 cloves feels like it could be too much for some—unless you like it punchy. Still, spaghetti aglio e olio hides mistakes pretty well.
Garlic is life. I used parsley that was almost out and it still worked. Next time I’ll save more pasta water so it emulsifies better.
I don’t know about this one. Seemed bland and didn’t taste like much. I expected more flavor. Maybe I did something wrong?
I think it just depends on how much garlic and chili you use. Try adding more next time! It’s a simple recipe but can really pack a punch if you adjust the flavors.
Bland? Really? This dish is supposed to be light but flavorful. Maybe you should check your ingredients? Fresh garlic makes a big difference!
Honestly, I was skeptical at first but this is a staple now. 👌
Quick n easy! Got it done in like 15 mins. Perfect for busy nights! Just use a lotta garlic! 🧄
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. 🤷♀️
I dont like garlic so I left it out. I know it’s garlic pasta but still it were good!
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.
Why no meat? If you ask me, pasta needs meat to be a real meal. Disappointed. 🥴
Not bad, but mine turned out kind of oily. I probably used too much olive oil or didn’t add enough pasta water. Still ate it all though.
Ahh that sounds like you just needed a better emulsification—more pasta water usually fixes the oily/grainy feel. Next time try adding the pasta water a tablespoon at a time while tossing hard.
I think 3 tablespoons olive oil is already a lot for 100 g spaghetti, so yeah, maybe that. Mine gets oily if I slice garlic too thick or leave it on too high heat. Still tastes good though lol.
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! 🍝
Sooo good!!! 🍝 I made it without chili flakes and it was a hit with my kids!
Ok but where’s the cheese? lol. I know aglio e olio doesn’t need it, but I still sprinkled Parm and it made it better for me.
Took me back to Italy! The best comfort food! 🍝❤️
Garlic tasted a bit harsh—maybe my skillet was too hot. The recipe is good, just requires attention. Would try again.
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!
Not bad, but I wish it had cheese. Like, where’s the parmesan? I know it’s not traditional, but still.
Idk, aglio e olio is just garlic and oil, right? If you start adding cheese it becomes somethin else. Also parmesan in pasta water??? nah lol. Your taste though!
Totally get it—parmesan would add a salty punch. But I actually like that this stays light and lets the garlic + chili do the heavy lifting. Still, a little Parm on top doesn’t ruin anything.
Really good, but next time I will use more garlic! I love garlic.
More garlic sounds awesome! Garlic makes everything better!
This recipe is too basic. I like my pasta more complicated, with a sauce or something.
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.
I didn’t really get the whole ‘just garlic and oil’ thing. Seems kinda bland. I might try with some tomatoes next time.