Description
Spaghetti aglio e olio whisks diners straight to Naples with its simple yet bold Italian charm. Garlic-infused olive oil coats perfectly al dente pasta, creating a classic comfort dish that celebrates minimalist Mediterranean cooking with intense flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
Herbs and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Oils, Seasonings, and Optional Toppings:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a spacious pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the spaghetti and cook until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, following the package guidance. Carefully extract a modest portion of the starchy liquid before draining the pasta completely.
- Select a generously sized skillet and warm the olive oil over medium temperature. Introduce delicately sliced garlic, allowing it to dance and transform into a golden hue while releasing its aromatic essence. Exercise vigilance to prevent scorching.
- Sprinkle the fiery red pepper flakes into the fragrant oil, creating a brief moment of sizzling infusion that will awaken the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Transfer the freshly drained pasta into the aromatic skillet. Introduce a splash of the reserved cooking liquid, gently manipulating the strands to ensure each is lovingly coated with the garlicky oil. Adjust the liquid quantity to create a silken, glossy texture that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.
- Elevate the dish’s complexity by incorporating finely chopped parsley, a whisper of salt, and a generous twist of black pepper. For those seeking additional indulgence, consider garnishing with a delicate shower of Parmesan and a bright citrus squeeze. Serve immediately to capture the dish’s optimal temperature and vibrancy.
Notes
- Prevent burning garlic by using medium-low heat and constantly monitoring the skillet during sautéing to ensure a golden, nutty flavor without bitterness.
- Enhance the pasta’s silkiness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, which helps create a smooth, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each strand of spaghetti.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – use less for a mild version or more for a spicier kick that suits different taste preferences.
- Transform this classic dish into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled shrimp, crispy pancetta, or roasted chicken for extra substance and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg