Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil, or Aglio e Olio, is a simple dish. High-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and red pepper flakes coat perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's a quick side to meat main, much like our Broiled Chicken Thighs.
Why You'll Love Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
While seemingly basic, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a testament to the power of high-quality ingredients and simple techniques. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or a quick and easy lunch.
Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
- Incredibly Easy: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Quick and Customizable: Whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, with options to personalize it to your tastes.
- Pantry Staples: This recipe uses ingredients likely already on hand in your pantry.
Ingredients Overview
You'll need spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, crushed red pepper flakes (optional), chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese (optional), and salt.
- Extra Virgin olive oil, the best you can afford, as the olive oil is the focal point of this dish.
- Fresh Garlic
- Spaghetti (or Angel Hair, Linguine, or even Bucatini)
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Fresh shaved Parmesan (optional)
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Garlic and Oil Pasta
This recipe offers a straightforward approach to making Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, ensuring a delicious and authentic result.
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your preference, or explore variations with other ingredients like fresh herbs or different types of cheese.
Cook the Spaghetti
- In a large pot, heat water on high to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until liking (7-8 minutes or al dente).
- Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Drain the spaghetti and set aside in a medium bowl or colander.
Sauté the Garlic
- While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Toss and Season
- Add the drained spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan with the garlic and olive oil.
- Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley (if using) and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a protein boost, top the pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Pair this dish with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian dining experience.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations or substitutions when making this pasta recipe.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini.
- Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright and refreshing touch.
- For a more substantial meal, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans to the pan with the pasta.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making this garlic and oil spaghetti recipe:
- Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Watch the garlic closely while sautéing to prevent burning. Burnt garlic will result in a bitter taste.
- The starchy pasta water helps create a silky and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese over pre-shredded varieties.
Storage Options
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or pasta water to prevent dryness.
Related Recipes
- Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
- Thai Basil Pesto Recipe
- Gluten Free Swedish Meatballs
- Baked Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
- Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
- Bowtie Pesto Pasta Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can use other long, thin pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or angel hair. You can also experiment with shorter pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni, but the sauce may not cling to them as well.
Yes! This recipe is a great base for customization. For a more veggie-packed dish, consider adding sauteed broccoli florets, chopped asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or even a handful of spinach during the last minute of cooking for a Pasta Primevera dish.
Italian Recipes
Get The Recipe!
Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta
Equipment
- Deep Saute Skillet
- Stainless Steel Medium Stockpot
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti reserve 1 cup of pasta water
- Water for boiling pasta
- 1 teaspoon Salt for boiling pasta
- 6 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon Parsley freshly chopped
- ½ tablespoon Red pepper flakes Optional
- ½ cup Parmesan fresh shaved
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat water on high to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until liking (7-8 minutes or al dente).8 ounces spaghetti, Water, 1 teaspoon Salt
- Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Drain the spaghetti and set aside in a medium bowl or colander.
- While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.6 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.6 cloves Garlic
- Add the drained spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan with the garlic and olive oil.
- Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley (if using) and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!2 tablespoon Parsley, ½ tablespoon Red pepper flakes
Notes
- Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Watch the garlic closely while sautéing to prevent burning. Burnt garlic will result in a bitter taste.
- The starchy pasta water helps create a silky and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese over pre-shredded varieties.
Kelly Bloom says
This simple spaghetti and olive oil recipe is elegant and so easy to prepare!