Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is one of those simple pasta dishes that never disappoints. Tossed with fragrant garlic, good olive oil, a little red pepper, and fresh parsley, it has plenty of flavor without needing a long list of ingredients.
I love making this on busy evenings when I want something warm and satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen. It comes together quickly, feels comforting, and is easy enough for the whole family to enjoy. It’s also a great choice when the pantry is looking a little bare.
Table of Contents
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 5–6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
How to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the garlic into thin pieces and finely chop the fresh parsley. Measure the olive oil and red pepper flakes so everything is ready before you start cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to help create a light, glossy sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and lightly golden, then stir in the red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand with the garlic and olive oil. Add a little reserved pasta water and continue tossing until the pasta looks smooth and glossy. Stir in the parsley and black pepper.
Step 5: Serve
Taste the pasta and adjust the salt or red pepper flakes as needed. Serve the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio immediately while warm, with extra parsley and Parmesan on top if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients like spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and parsley.
- Full of Flavor: The garlic-infused olive oil gives the pasta a rich, savory taste, while red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat.
- Comforting: A warm bowl of garlicky pasta is simple, cozy, and satisfying any day of the week.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Use Good Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a main part of the sauce, choose a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Cook the garlic slowly over medium-low heat. Burnt garlic can taste bitter and overpower the pasta.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Keep the spaghetti slightly firm so it holds up well when tossed with the warm garlic oil.
- Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps the olive oil coat the spaghetti smoothly.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This spaghetti aglio e olio is one of my favorite simple dinners to make for my family. I love serving it with warm garlic bread and a fresh green salad, while my husband usually enjoys his with a cold glass of iced tea. The garlic, olive oil, and tender pasta make it an easy meal everyone loves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add vegetables ?
Absolutely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Can I add protein to this pasta ?
Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, or crispy bacon can turn it into a more filling meal.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil ?
Olive oil gives the dish its classic flavor, but you can add a small amount of butter for a richer taste if you like.
What type of pasta works best ?
Spaghetti is traditional, but you can also use linguine, bucatini, or another long pasta you have on hand.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage
Let the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a small splash of water or olive oil.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in a skillet with a little water or olive oil.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes500
kcal20
minutesSpaghetti tossed with golden garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. This simple Italian pasta is quick to make, lightly spicy, and comforting enough for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
5–6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup reserved pasta water
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic become dark brown or burnt.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss well. Gradually add the reserved pasta water while tossing until the pasta is lightly coated and glossy.
- Stir in the parsley and black pepper. Add the optional Parmesan and lemon juice, if using. Taste and adjust the salt and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Keep the heat low while cooking the garlic to prevent it from burning.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining; its starch helps the oil coat the spaghetti.
- Parmesan and lemon juice are optional and can be left out for a more traditional simple version.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of heat.
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