Authentic Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe: A Simple, Flavorful Italian Pasta Dish
Welcome to the heart of Italy with our Authentic Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe, a beautifully simple yet deeply flavorful pasta dish. This classic Italian recipe, which translates to “spaghetti with garlic and oil,” hails from the bustling streets of Naples, where the most humble of ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or seeking a romantic meal, Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is the perfect choice.
Its charm lies in its minimalism—spaghetti, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, a touch of red chili flakes, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley all meld together to create a balanced dish that’s rich in flavor without being overwhelming. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish demonstrates how the simplest things can often be the most satisfying.
Ingredients for Authentic Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Durum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta | 300 grams |
| Garlic | 10 cloves, minced or finely chopped |
| Red Chili Flakes | 2 teaspoons (or red chillies, chopped) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Parsley Leaves | A handful, chopped |
| Parmesan Cheese | Grated, or Pecorino Cheese (or Italian bread crumbs for garnish) |
| Salt | As required |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions for Making Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
-
Prep the Ingredients
Begin by prepping all the ingredients. Mince or finely chop the garlic and chop the parsley leaves. Set them aside and get ready to cook. -
Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, then gently add the durum wheat spaghetti pasta. Use a wooden spoon or tongs to submerge the pasta completely, allowing it to soften as the water comes back to a boil. Keep stirring to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together.Cooking Tip: The spaghetti should cook until it reaches an al dente texture, meaning it should be tender but still firm when you bite into it—chewy and just right.
-
Reserve Pasta Water
Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it, but don’t forget to reserve 2 to 3 ladles of the pasta water. This starchy water will help bring a silky texture to the sauce later on. -
Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large stir-fry pan. Add the garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t burn; you want it just golden to release its full flavor. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing it with the garlic-infused olive oil. If needed, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help moisten the pasta and bind the flavors together. Continue tossing for another 2 minutes to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the garlic oil mixture. -
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in some freshly chopped parsley. Add a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese (or Pecorino if you prefer), tossing it until the cheese melts into the pasta, giving it a creamy, delicious finish. Taste and add salt if necessary.Serving Tip: Serve the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio immediately while it’s still piping hot. Garnish with more grated cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is a beautifully simple dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with some sides to elevate the meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- Summer Lettuce Salad Recipe – A refreshing, crisp salad that complements the richness of the pasta.
- Rosemary Focaccia Bread Recipe – Soft, fragrant bread that you can dip into the flavorful garlic oil sauce.
- Roasted Walnut Zucchini Carrot Salad in Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe – A hearty, flavorful side salad that adds texture and a tangy contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
- Simplicity at its Best: With just a few ingredients, Spaghetti Aglio E Olio is the perfect example of how minimalism can yield amazing results.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a quick comfort meal.
- Rich in Flavor: The olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes infuse the pasta with a deep, satisfying flavor that’s light yet robust.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice, garlic, or cheese to suit your personal taste preferences.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~10 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~60 g |
| Fat | ~20 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~3 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~350 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximations and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about the simplicity of Spaghetti Aglio E Olio—a dish that lets each ingredient shine while coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a flavorful side dish, this recipe will bring the essence of Italy to your table. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, Spaghetti Aglio E Olio proves that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that truly satisfy.
Enjoy your meal and let the flavors transport you straight to Italy! Buon Appetito!
