Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A classic Italian dish of spaghetti tossed with garlic-infused olive oil, red pepper flakes, parsley, and a finishing touch of Parmesan. This simple yet flavorful recipe comes together quickly and highlights the beauty of high-quality ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless elegance: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes sophisticated and satisfying.

• Fast prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when your pantry is stocked but the fridge is bare.

• Customizable heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.

• Vegan-friendly optional: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti

• Extra‑virgin olive oil

• Garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• Red pepper flakes

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and gently sauté until just golden and fragrant—avoid browning.

4. Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.

5. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the noodles evenly in the garlic‑olive oil mixture.

6. Mix in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pasta seems dry, incorporate more of the reserved water.

7. Remove from heat and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2–3 as a main course, or 4 as a light meal or side.

• Preparation time: 5 minutes.

• Cooking time: 10–12 minutes.

• Total time: approximately 15–18 minutes.

Variations

• Lemon twist: Add the zest of half a lemon during the final toss for bright, citrusy notes.

• Anchovy boost: Melt in one or two finely chopped anchovy fillets with the garlic for added depth.

• Vegetable additions: Toss in lightly sautéed vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.

• Protein add‑ins: Stir in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy pancetta for extra substance.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to life. Add parsley and garnish with fresh Parmesan before serving.

FAQs

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

While spaghetti is traditional, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini based on preference.

Can I make this dish gluten‑free?

Yes. Substitute gluten‑free spaghetti or other gluten‑free pasta of your choice.

How spicy should the dish be?

Adjust red pepper flake quantity to taste—start with a pinch per serving and increase as desired.

Can I prepare garlic in advance?

Yes. Keep thinly sliced garlic refrigerated in oil for up to 24 hours, then use within that period.

What if I overcook the garlic?

If garlic turns brown or bitter, start again—the flavor will overwhelm the dish.

Is Parmesan necessary?

No. The recipe works beautifully without it. Vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast are excellent substitutes.

Can I add vegetables or protein?

Absolutely. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, shrimp, grilled chicken, or pancetta all pair well with the flavors of this recipe.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Reserve and add a little pasta cooking water to keep the dish luxuriously saucy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Simply increase ingredient quantities proportionally, and use a larger pot and skillet.

Is this recipe suitable for lactose‑intolerant people?

Yes—just omit the Parmesan or substitute with dairy‑free cheese or nutritional yeast.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can combine into a dish of exceptional flavor. Elegant, quick, and endlessly adaptable, it makes for a perfect go‑to meal. Whether you keep it classic or dress it up with variations, this recipe always delivers satisfying results

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