Description
This Summer’s Simplest Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil with a hint of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for warm weather when you want a light yet satisfying dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 400g spaghetti
Garlic and Oil Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Garlic Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat all the strands. If the mixture seems dry, add in a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the spaghetti.
- Season and Add Parsley: Season the pasta with salt to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the simple, bold flavors.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be just golden for the best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it stick to the spaghetti.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness; you can substitute with basil or omit if unavailable.
Keywords: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, Italian pasta, garlic spaghetti, easy pasta recipe, summer pasta, quick dinner