Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta made with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red chilies, and fresh parsley. Simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful pasta that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 250 g spaguetti
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 3 red chilies finely sliced, or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzle
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and 9 oz (250 g) spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water before draining.
- While the spaghetti cooks, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and either 3 finely sliced red chilies or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) of the reserved pasta water and toss well to coat the pasta in the garlic-infused oil. Add more pasta water as needed until the pasta looks glossy and evenly coated.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and toss until combined.
- Divide among serving bowls and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Notes
Use Good Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil makes a big difference here since it is one of the main flavors in the dish.
Keep an Eye on the Garlic: I like to cook the garlic gently so it becomes fragrant and lightly golden without turning bitter.
Save the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water, I find, helps create a silky coating that brings the pasta and olive oil together.
Serve It Right Away: I think this pasta tastes best when it goes straight from the pan to the table while everything is still warm and fragrant.
Nutrition
Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 1168mg | Potassium: 135mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
