Description
When you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that requires minimal ingredients, Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is the perfect dish. This classic Italian pasta recipe, which translates to “spaghetti with garlic and oil,” combines a few basic ingredients—olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes—into a mouthwatering meal that can be made in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional for non-vegan)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Save about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chili flakes: Once the garlic is golden, add the red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the garlic and oil. Toss to coat the pasta in the flavorful oil. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegan version: Skip the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute instead.
- Enhance with vegetables: Consider adding sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat with a splash of olive oil and water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Aglio E Olio, Garlic Olive Oil Pasta, Vegan Pasta, Simple Italian Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipes