I recently discovered a dish that reinvented my approach to quick dinners. My Spaghetti With Olive Oil And Garlic is a refreshingly simple meal mixing garlic and red pepper flakes with extra virgin olive oil and a hint of parmesan. Let me share what made it a truly delicious find.

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I’ve been experimenting with simple yet satisfying meals lately and this Spaghetti With Garlic And Oil, or Aglio E Olio, is quickly become one of my favorites. This traditional Italian recipe only takes around 15 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights when you’re short on time but still cravin something delicious.

Picture this: 400 grams of dried spaghetti boiled to perfection, then tossed with 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil that’s been heated up with 6-8 thinly sliced garlic cloves until just fragrant. I always sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjusting to my heat tolerance, and finish it off with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese that melts ever so slowly into the mix.

This dish is a twist on the classic Spaghetti And Olive Oil Garlic Pasta, and I love how the flavors blend into a kick-ass Olive Oil Pasta Sauce that keeps me comin back for more. Enjoy experimentin and let me know what you think!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like this recipe because it’s super simple and quick to make. Even on days when I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, I can whip it up, and it always comes out tasty.
2. I love how the garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes work together to give it that kick of flavor. It doesn’t feel too heavy but still packs a punch.
3. I appreciate that it uses only a handful of ingredients, so I never have to worry about complicated shopping lists or wasting food.
4. I really dig how the reserved pasta water turns it into a kind of sauce that sticks to every noodle. It feels like a little kitchen hack every time I make it.

Ingredients

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Spaghetti is rich in carbohydrates for energy and fiber; a staple for satisfying hearty meals.
Extra virgin olive oil is packed with healthy fats and antioxidants; it enriches flavor beautifully.
Garlic intensifies taste with bold flavor and potent antioxidants; its wonderful aroma is simply inviting.
Red pepper flakes deliver a spicy kick, boosting flavor and metabolism with few calories.
Parmesan cheese adds a savory, salty taste, along with protein; it’s a finishing touch.
This dish perfectly balances carbs and healthy fats with protein and antioxidants; it’s simply delightful.
Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that warms your heart.

Ingredient Quantities

400 grams dried spaghetti (about 14 oz)

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

6-8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

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

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make this

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1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil then add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over a medium heat.

3. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil and stir constantly until the garlic turns a light golden color, about 2 minutes.

4. Once the spaghetti is done, reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

5. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil, and toss it all together so the pasta is well coated.

6. Slowly pour in some reserved pasta water if the mixture seems a bit dry, stirring until it looks like a light sauce.

7. Lower the heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Give it a taste and add a little more red pepper flakes or salt if you think it needs it.

9. Stir everything well one more time to make sure each noodle is covered in the sauce.

10. Serve it hot and enjoy your yummy Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil!

Equipment Needed

1. A big pot to boil salted water
2. A colander to drain the spaghetti
3. A large skillet to heat the oil and cook the garlic
4. A wooden spoon to stir the garlic and pasta
5. A measuring cup to reserve some pasta water
6. A knife and cutting board to slice the garlic
7. A grater to shred the Parmesan cheese
8. A serving bowl to dish out your pasta

FAQ

Q: How do I make sure the garlic doesnt burn?

A: Make sure you keep the heat low and stir constantly especially once you add the garlic so that it cooks evenly without burning.

Q: Can I use fresh red chili peppers instead of red pepper flakes?

A: Yes, you can use fresh red chili peppers by chopping them up nicely but be careful with the amount since fresh peppers may be slightly hotter.

Q: What does al dente mean and how do I achieve it?

A: Al dente simply means the pasta should be slightly firm when you bite it. Simply follow the package instructions and taste it a minute or two before the recommended time.

Q: Is it okay to add more olive oil if i like it extra saucy?

A: Sure, you can add more olive oil for that extra saucy texture but be careful not to overpower the garlic flavor.

Q: Can i replace the Parmesan cheese with another cheese?

A: Of course you can use Pecorino Romano or any hard cheese that you like, just keep in mind the taste may be a bit different but still delish.

Spaghetti With Garlic And Oil (Aglio E Olio) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Spaghetti: if you cant find dried spaghetti, try using linguine or fettuccine instead. They cook up similarly and hold the sauce pretty well
Extra virgin olive oil: if you’re in a rush, you might use a garlic-infused oil or even a light avocado oil as a decent alternative
Garlic cloves: if you dont have fresh garlic, a good quality garlic powder (about 1/2 teaspoon per clove) can work, though it wont have the same punch
Red pepper flakes: if you want a milder kick, fresh red chili or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can substitute; just remember to adjust your measurements to taste
Parmesan cheese: if you run out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be a tasty replacement with a similar salty, umami flavor

Pro Tips

1. Keep an eye on the garlic when it’s in the oil so it doesnt burn. It only takes a minute or two for the garlic to go from golden to burnt and that ruins the sauce.
2. Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining the spaghetti. It helps a lot in making the sauce creamy and smooth so dont toss it.
3. Salt your pasta water well since it really boosts the overall flavor of your dish. A well salted pot of water is super important for great tasting spaghetti.
4. Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can. The flavor of fresh cheese is waves ahead of the pregrated stuff, even if it may take a bit more time.