Rating: 3.70
(118)

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 118 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 suspiciousCommentator says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this one. Seemed bland and didn’t taste like much. I expected more flavor. Maybe I did something wrong?

    1. User avatar wendolyn.kozey says:

      4 stars
      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.

    2. 3 stars
      Bland? Really? This dish is supposed to be light but flavorful. Maybe you should check your ingredients? Fresh garlic makes a big difference!

  2. User avatar Tracie Heathcote III says:

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

  3. User avatar Gandalf the Grey says:

    4 stars
    Quick n easy! Got it done in like 15 mins. Perfect for busy nights! Just use a lotta garlic! 🧄

  4. 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! 🍝

  5. 2 stars
    Just made it! It was bland. Needed more salt for sure.

  6. User avatar marion.greenfelder48 says:

    3 stars
    I thought it was too oily. Maybe less oil next time?

    1. User avatar gail.zemlak59 says:

      4 stars
      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?

    2. User avatar Restless Draugr says:

      2 stars
      Too oily? Seriously? I thought the whole point of Aglio e Olio is the oil! You might just not be a fan of it. 🤷‍♀️

  7. 4 stars
    I dont like garlic so I left it out. I know it’s garlic pasta but still it were good!

  8. 1 star
    What’s the point of cooking spaghetti? It’s just noodles. Boring.

  9. User avatar marty.bayer92 says:

    5 stars
    OMG, made this for my husband and he loved it!!! 😊

  10. 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!

  11. User avatar florida.zieme89 says:

    5 stars
    I’m not a chef, but even I could make this! Thanks for the easy instructions.

  12. 1 star
    Why no meat? If you ask me, pasta needs meat to be a real meal. Disappointed. 🥴

  13. 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?

  14. User avatar lamont.windler2013 says:

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

  15. User avatar bell.medhurst15 says:

    4 stars
    Spaghetti good! Make again! 🍝

  16. User avatar fredrick.bahringer says:

    4 stars
    Sooo good!!! 🍝 I made it without chili flakes and it was a hit with my kids!

  17. User avatar tracey.stamm says:

    5 stars
    Took me back to Italy! The best comfort food! 🍝❤️

  18. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a classic! I’ve made it countless times, always gets rave reviews.

    1. User avatar kaitlyn.oconner2013 says:

      5 stars
      This dish is so simple yet soooo good! I can’t believe how few ingredients it takes to taste so amazing! 🍝

  19. User avatar berta.rosenbaum says:

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

  20. User avatar walter.king48 says:

    5 stars
    This was so simple and delicious! I will definitely make it again.

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! It’s such a quick dish and tastes amazing. I’ve made it three times this week!

  21. User avatar abel.smitham says:

    4 stars
    Really good, but next time I will use more garlic! I love garlic.

    1. User avatar keren.dietrich says:

      5 stars
      More garlic sounds awesome! Garlic makes everything better!

  22. 2 stars
    This recipe is too basic. I like my pasta more complicated, with a sauce or something.

  23. 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.

  24. 2 stars
    I didn’t really get the whole ‘just garlic and oil’ thing. Seems kinda bland. I might try with some tomatoes next time.

  25. User avatar benny.roob1988 says:

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

  26. User avatar wilfred.runte76 says:

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

  27. User avatar flossie.orn22 says:

    5 stars
    This is the simplest yet most delicious pasta dish ever! I added some parmesan and it was perfect! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  28. 5 stars
    This was super easy and sooo delicious! I added some grated cheese on top, but still amazing. Will make again!

    1. User avatar eleonor.cormier9 says:

      5 stars
      So glad you liked it! Grated cheese sounds like a great touch! I will definitely try that next time.

  29. 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!

  30. User avatar gregorio.osinski1995 says:

    3 stars
    This recipe is so basic! Like, who needs a recipe to boil pasta?!

3.70 from 118 votes
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