Description
This classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is a simple, garlicky Italian pasta dish made with pantry staples. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s light, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable with chili flakes, parsley, or even cheese.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt, to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of water, add salt generously, and cook spaghetti until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté gently until golden and fragrant—do not burn.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
5. Add 2–3 tablespoons of pasta water to the garlic oil to emulsify.
6. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup water. Add pasta to the pan.
7. Toss everything with chopped parsley and a splash of reserved water for silkiness.
8. Serve immediately with optional Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Adjust garlic and chili flakes to taste. Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a heartier version. To make it vegan, omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spaghetti aglio e olio, garlic pasta, easy pasta dinner, Italian classic