Description
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio brings classic Italian simplicity to your dinner table with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Delicate garlic-infused olive oil coats perfectly al dente pasta, creating a comforting dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 400 g (14 ounces) spaghetti
Aromatics and Spices:
- 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Oils, Herbs, and Seasonings:
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Optional Garnish:
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Place a spacious skillet on medium heat, pour olive oil generously. Carefully slide thin garlic slices into hot oil, allowing them to transform into a delicate golden hue within 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle red pepper flakes to infuse subtle warmth, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into the aromatic oil-garlic mixture. Gently rotate and fold the spaghetti strands, ensuring each is luxuriously coated with the fragrant sauce. If the mixture appears dry, introduce reserved pasta water, creating a silky, cohesive texture.
- Elevate the dish with a vibrant shower of freshly chopped parsley, distributing its verdant essence throughout. Optional: Dust with finely grated Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of richness. Perform a final, delicate toss and serve piping hot, capturing the essence of authentic Italian cuisine.
Notes
- Prevent garlic from burning by watching it closely and adjusting heat, as burnt garlic creates an unpleasant bitter taste.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that helps the oil and seasonings cling perfectly to the spaghetti.
- Make it vegetarian-friendly by ensuring Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet, or use nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative for a similar umami flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg