Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Simple but perfect Italian recipe

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a timeless Italian dish known for its simplicity and rich flavors. This quick and easy recipe features spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce, elevated by a hint of chili flakes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it takes under 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti (or any long pasta)

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (high-quality for best flavor)

6 to 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt (to taste)

Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) 

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water).
2. Cook the Pasta: Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Oil

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add sliced garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (avoid burning).
3. Add Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Pasta with Garlic Oil: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to coat.
2. Adjust Consistency: If dry, add reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Season and Serve

1. Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
2. Garnish: Toss in chopped parsley for freshness.
3. Serve: Plate immediately, garnishing with additional parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy!

Indulge in this authentic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a dish that beautifully showcases the elegance of Italian cuisine.

Tips for Making the Perfect Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and fresh garlic for the best flavor. The quality of the ingredients makes a significant difference.

2. Don’t Burn the Garlic: Sauté the garlic over medium heat and keep an eye on it. If it turns too brown, it can taste bitter, so stir frequently.

3. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.

4. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you prefer less heat, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.

5. Fresh Parsley: Use fresh parsley for garnish to add color and freshness. You can also experiment with other herbs like basil for a different flavor profile.

6. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables.

7. Serve Immediately: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right after mixing to keep the pasta from getting sticky.

8. Grated Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Enjoy Your Meal!

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