Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

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Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the kind of dish that reminds you how beautiful simplicity can be. With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers bold flavor and comfort in every twirl of pasta. Garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes come together to create a rustic sauce that coats each strand, and the finish of parsley and parmesan is like the final brushstroke on a masterpiece.

This dish originated in Naples, and while it was once considered humble fare, today it’s celebrated worldwide for its elegance and ease. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting friends, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio feels both effortless and impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

There’s something magical about a recipe that takes under 20 minutes to make but feels like it belongs on a trattoria menu. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is rich without being heavy, spicy without overwhelming, and endlessly customizable. It’s budget-friendly, pantry-staple-driven, and endlessly satisfying—basically everything you want in a go-to pasta dish.

What Kind of Olive Oil Should I Use?

Since the olive oil is one of the key ingredients in this dish, quality matters. Choose a good extra virgin olive oil with a rich, peppery flavor. You don’t need to break the bank, but steer clear of anything too light or flavorless. The oil is what creates that silky coating for the pasta and carries the essence of garlic, so let it shine.

Ingredients for the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a pantry classic that proves you don’t need a long grocery list to make something delicious. Each ingredient serves a purpose, and when combined, they create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts.

• Spaghetti
  The heart of this recipe. Spaghetti holds the garlicky oil perfectly and provides the comforting chew we all crave.
• Garlic
  Thinly sliced garlic infuses the oil with bold, nutty flavor. It’s the backbone of the entire dish.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  This is the sauce! Use a high-quality oil because it’s doing most of the flavor work here.
• Red Pepper Flakes
  Adds a touch of heat. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
• Parsley
  Freshly chopped parsley adds color and a bright herbal lift to balance the richness of the oil.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional)
  Not traditional, but delicious. A sprinkle of parmesan brings salty depth and creaminess.
• Salt
  Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the final dish.

How To Make the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Infuse the Oil

While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently. You want it golden and fragrant, not browned—watch it closely to avoid burning.

Step 3: Add the Heat

Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for just another 30 seconds to bloom the flavor. Remove from heat if the garlic starts to darken.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen things up and help the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Stir in the chopped parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and parsley on top.

How to Serve and Store Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after it’s made. The oil clings to the pasta beautifully when it’s just off the stove. This recipe feeds about 2 to 3 people as a main dish or 4 if serving as a side.

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce without drying it out.

What to Serve With Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?

Garlic Bread

Double down on the garlic and serve with a slice of crusty garlic bread to mop up that flavorful oil.

Green Salad

A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate.

Roasted Broccoli

Its charred edges and earthy bite pair well with the soft spaghetti and spicy garlic.

Grilled Shrimp

Add protein without weighing down the meal. Shrimp complements the garlic oil perfectly.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing coolness and creamy contrast.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy and umami-rich, mushrooms bring an extra layer of depth if you’re serving this as a dinner centerpiece.

White Wine

A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc matches the lightness of the dish while elevating the garlic and herbs.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If Spaghetti Aglio e Olio won your heart, don’t stop here. You’ll love these other comforting and flavorful pasta recipes:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cozy and indulgent weeknight dinner.

• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving something hearty in just one pot.

• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a bold, cheesy twist on pasta night.

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich, satisfying spin on classic Alfredo.

• One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta when you need big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the chili flakes or keep it classic? Did you sneak in anchovies or a splash of lemon?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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