Introduction
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s simple to make but bursting with flavor. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (spaghetti with garlic and oil) is the epitome of this philosophy. Originating from Naples, Italy, this dish has only a handful of ingredients—spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley—but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a passionate home cook aiming to master a classic Italian pasta, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is your go-to dish. Ready to dive into this easy recipe? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio translates to “spaghetti with garlic and oil.” This traditional Italian dish has its roots in Naples and is loved for its simplicity and bold flavors. The beauty of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio lies in how a few pantry staples can come together to create something that feels luxurious, despite being so easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
1. Boil the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. It’s important to heavily salt the water (about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 cups of water), as this will flavor the pasta itself. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, but aim for “al dente” texture—firm to the bite but not hard. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2. Prepare the Garlic & Oil Sauce
While the spaghetti is boiling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm (but not smoking), add the thinly sliced garlic. Cook the garlic gently, stirring often to prevent it from burning. You want the garlic to become golden and fragrant, but be careful not to overcook it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
3. Add the Red Pepper Flakes
Once the garlic is just golden brown, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the red pepper to infuse its heat into the oil. This step is crucial for adding that signature subtle spice to the dish.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
By now, your spaghetti should be cooked. Using tongs or a pasta spoon, transfer the spaghetti directly from the pot to the skillet with the garlic and oil. It’s okay if some pasta water gets into the skillet—that’s a good thing! The starch from the pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the spaghetti.
5. Toss & Add Pasta Water
Toss the spaghetti in the garlic oil until it’s evenly coated. If the pasta looks too dry, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The pasta should be silky and lightly glossy, not oily or watery.
6. Add Parsley and Season
Once the spaghetti is fully coated, toss in the chopped fresh parsley. Season the dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you love cheese, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino over the pasta at this stage, though traditionally, Aglio e Olio is served without cheese.
Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
- Use high-quality olive oil. Since olive oil is one of the main stars of this dish, using extra virgin olive oil will give you the best flavor.
- Don’t burn the garlic. This is the number one rule in Spaghetti Aglio e Olio! Garlic burns quickly and can ruin the taste of the dish. Keep an eye on it and lower the heat if needed.
- Salt the pasta water generously. The salt enhances the flavor of the spaghetti and ensures the dish doesn’t taste bland.
- Toss, don’t stir. When combining the pasta with the sauce, gently toss everything together rather than aggressively stirring. This helps the sauce coat the spaghetti evenly.
- Customize the spice level. Red pepper flakes add heat, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference. Like it spicy? Add more flakes. Prefer it mild? Go easy on them.
A Brief History of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is one of the oldest and most traditional pasta dishes from Naples. Like many Italian recipes, it comes from cucina povera, the “poor kitchen,” where simple, affordable ingredients are used to create delicious meals. The dish likely dates back to a time when garlic and olive oil were more accessible than pricier ingredients like meat or cheese, making it a staple in Italian households.
Despite its humble origins, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is now enjoyed worldwide as a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can result in an outstanding dish.
FAQs
1. What is aglio olio sauce made of?
Aglio olio sauce is made of garlic (aglio), olive oil (olio), and sometimes red pepper flakes for heat.
2. What is the meaning of spaghetti aglio e olio?
It means “spaghetti with garlic and oil” in Italian, referring to a simple pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and pasta.
3. How can I make my aglio olio taste better?
To enhance the flavor, use high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and add a splash of pasta water for creaminess. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese, lemon zest, or fresh herbs like parsley.
4. Is aglio olio healthy?
Yes, it’s relatively healthy, as it uses simple, natural ingredients like olive oil and garlic, which have health benefits. However, moderation is key due to the oil content.
Wrapping Up (Not the Pasta, Though!)
There you have it—the perfect recipe for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without the fuss. Remember, the key to making this recipe stand out is using quality ingredients and paying attention to the details, like perfectly cooking the garlic and using salted pasta water.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil, and start cooking! You’ll be amazed at how a few pantry staples can transform into such a comforting and flavorful dish.