Spaghetti aglio e olio Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both effortlessly simple and incredibly satisfying, Spaghetti aglio e olio is an absolute must-try. This classic Italian pasta celebrates the beautiful harmony of just a few humble ingredients—garlic, olive oil, parsley, and perfectly cooked spaghetti—all coming together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. The magic lies in its simplicity, where each component shines and complements the others, making it a timeless favorite for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave something authentic and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Spaghetti aglio e olio is that you only need a handful of staple ingredients to create something truly special. Each one plays a vital role in balancing taste, texture, and color for this classic dish.

• 14 oz Spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that soaks up the garlicky olive oil while maintaining a satisfying bite.
• 3 cloves Garlic (peeled and sliced): Infuses the dish with its signature fragrant and slightly spicy warmth.
• ½ cup Extra virgin olive oil: The heart of the dish, providing richness and depth with every silky strand.
• 1 handful Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a bright, fresh burst of color and flavor to brighten the plate.
• Salt (to taste and for the pasta water): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering the dish.

How to Make Spaghetti aglio e olio

Step 1: Cooking the pasta to perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, generously season the water with salt—this is key to infusing flavor from the get-go. Add your spaghetti and cook it until it’s al dente, meaning it should be tender but still have a slight firmness in the center. Before draining, remember to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a secret ingredient that helps marry the sauce and pasta together perfectly.

Step 2: Infusing the olive oil with garlic

While the pasta cooks, gently heat the extra virgin olive oil in a sizable sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic so it softens slowly and releases its aroma, usually around 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much, as you want it mellow and fragrant, not bitter. This garlic-infused oil forms the luxurious base of your sauce.

Step 3: Combining the elements

Once your garlic has softened, turn off the heat. Add the drained spaghetti and the chopped fresh parsley directly to the pan. At this point, toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the silky garlic olive oil. For extra moisture and cohesion, gradually stir in half of the reserved pasta water—the starch helps everything cling beautifully to each strand. Give it a good toss until everything looks glossy and inviting.

Step 4: Seasoning and serving

Finally, season to taste with salt, keeping in mind the seasoning of the pasta water earlier. Serve your Spaghetti aglio e olio immediately while it’s warm and fresh, allowing the simplicity and elegance of the dish to shine on your plate.

How to Serve Spaghetti aglio e olio

Garnishes

Although Spaghetti aglio e olio is perfect on its own, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or some crushed red pepper flakes can add a lovely dimension. A light dusting of lemon zest can also bring a fresh zing that brightens up the garlic flavors and adds a playful twist.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or a portion of roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic companion—perfect for soaking up any extra oil and savoring every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests using a fork and spoon, plating it individually with a little parsley garnish on top. You can also jazz it up by serving it in rustic, hand-thrown bowls or on a large communal platter sprinkled generously with herbs and freshly cracked black pepper for a cozy family-style meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, promptly cool the pasta and transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. When storing, it’s best to leave out the parsley and add it fresh when reheating to keep its vibrant color and flavor intact.

Freezing

Freezing Spaghetti aglio e olio isn’t typically recommended as the olive oil can separate and the pasta texture may change, becoming mushy. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen to maintain that perfect bite and flavor balance.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to revive its silky texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the garlic aroma delicate and the oil from tasting oily. Heat it just until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep everything evenly coated.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Spaghetti aglio e olio?

While spaghetti is traditional and holds the sauce beautifully, you can experiment with other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer. Just keep cooking times in mind to ensure they’re al dente.

How much garlic is too much?

This recipe highlights the flavor of garlic without overwhelming the dish. Three cloves provide a nice balance, but you can tweak the amount to suit your taste. Just slice them thinly and avoid browning to keep the flavor mellow.

Is Spaghetti aglio e olio spicy?

By itself, it’s not spicy unless you add red pepper flakes or another heat source. If you enjoy some kick, adding a sprinkle of chili flakes while cooking garlic is a popular variation.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Spaghetti aglio e olio is naturally vegan, as it uses no animal products. Just make sure your pasta does not contain eggs, and you’ll have a simple and wonderfully flavorful vegan meal.

What wine pairs well with Spaghetti aglio e olio?

A crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a young Verdicchio complements the garlic olive oil perfectly without overpowering the delicate flavors of the parsley and pasta.

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti aglio e olio is a timeless recipe that reminds us how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones. So grab your garlic and olive oil, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this Italian classic!

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