Spaghetti aglio e olio also known as pasta aglio e olio is a traditional Italian pasta recipe. “agilo e oilo” means “garlic and oil”. This spaghetti pasta is a very simple yet classic Italian pasta recipe prepared with garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
As I have said, the dish is made by lightly sautéing sliced, minced, or pressed garlic in olive oil with the addition of dried red chili flakes, and tossing with spaghetti. Finely chopped parsley can also be added along with grated parmesan or pecorino cheese, although according to some traditional recipes, cheese should not be added.
Spaghetti aglio e olio- I love this recipe because it is both delicious and the essence of Italian cooking: simple and fresh. Finishing the pasta in the pan with the garlic and oil ensures every noodle is perfectly cooked and evenly coated with the delectable sauce.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients needed to make spaghetti.
Spaghetti: Or linguine, fettuccine, or any other shape of pasta noodles you prefer.
Olive oil: Olive oil is the main ingredient of the recipe and I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil.
Garlic: Pasta without garlic is impossible for me, and this pasta aglio e olio requires the nice, strong garlic flavor. I suggest using 3 to 5 cloves, but you can use according to your preference.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Traditional spaghetti aglio e olio is made with fresh peperoncini (red hot chile peppers) that are commonly found throughout Italy. But since they are harder to find in other countries, I have used dried red chili flakes here.
How to make this spaghetti? important steps with photos
1. Cook the spaghetti – bring your pot, add water, salt, and a tablespoon of oil. Add 1 pound of spaghetti pasta and cook until al dente (read package instructions and cook accordingly).
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and keep it aside. Mince garlic and keep it aside.
2. Saute garlic – Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in the pan and once oil is hot enough, add 3-4 garlic cloves and red chili flakes. Saute on medium flame until aromatic or lightly golden.
Tip 🌟
You can add fresh parsley along with garlic if you have 🙂
3. Toss your pasta in the sauce – once garlic is lightly golden, add cooked pasta and toss it up for 2 to 3 minutes. If you feel your pasta is too dry, add ¼ cup of water or pasta water to make it rich 🙂
4. Season and enjoy – Add salt to taste. You can add more red chili flakes if you like and enjoy hot with juice and salad on the side 🙂
Tip 🌟- Add parmesan and mix herbs on the top if you have 🙂 It tastes great.
Spaghetti with garlic and olive oil
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- salt to taste
- red chili flakes, to taste
- water, to boil pasta (according to package instructions)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti – bring your pot, add water, salt, and a tablespoon of oil. Add 1 pound spaghetti pasta and cook until al dente(read package instructions and cook accordingly)
- Once spaghetti is cooked, drain it and keep it aside. Mince garlic and keep aside.
- Saute garlic – Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in the pan and once oil is hot enough, add 3-4 garlic cloves and red chili flakes. Saute on medium flame until aromatic or lightly golden.
- Toss your pasta in the sauce – once garlic is lightly golden, add cooked pasta and toss it up for 2 to 3 minutes. If you feel your pasta is too dry, add ¼ cup of water or pasta water to make it rich 🙂
- Season and enjoy – Add salt to taste. You can add more red chili flakes if you like and enjoy hot with juice and salad on the side 🙂
- Tip- Add parmesan and mix herbs on the top if you have 🙂 It tastes great.
Video
Notes
- Read our storage section and faqs for more information.
Disclaimer
Variations and swap options
- Many times, I managed to get fresh parsley but I know many times it is difficult to get so here is a swap option – Instead of parsley, you can swap any fresh herb. Fresh basil works wonderfully.
- You can also swap out spaghetti for another thin pasta, such as linguine or capellini.
- You can add parmesan or pecorino cheese on the top to enhance the taste of pasta.
- You can use fresh red chilies instead of dried chili flakes.
FAQs
Yes, The pasta variety used here is made without eggs. Always check ingredients before buying. Some of the pasta varieties do contain eggs.
YES. The recipe shared here is 100% vegan as no cheese is added. If you want to add cheese, you can use vegan cheese.
Yes, You can prepare this spaghetti ahead of time and freeze it for a month without worrying.
Technically any pasta will be fine but my specific preference is linguine, fettuccine
Reheating leftover spaghetti
Although nothing can compare to freshly made spaghetti, you reheat leftover spaghetti.
1. Place a small amount of oil or butter in a pan over low heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the spaghetti and 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. If reheating a large amount, add a couple tablespoons at time until reheated.
3. Keep the pasta moving on the pan to prevent scrambling.
4. Serve immediately once the pasta is thoroughly reheated and creamy.
Why love this recipe,
- sooooooo rich and delicious
- simple with fresh flavors
- traditional Italian recipe
- perfect tiffin box recipe
- your kids will love this too
- super duper easy to make
- no cooking expertise required
- made with just 5 ingredients
sometimes simple is best! and garlic + olive oil is so good that sometimes that’s all you need (:
yeahhhh 🙂 thanks a lot dear
That little kick from the chili flakes is our favorite. We love simple and easy recipes like this. Sharing, of course!
Thank youuuuu dear :*
Real talk- I love the taste of pasta in combination with simplicity. I could eat this pasta for breakfast, after breakfast snack, lunch, pre-dinner snack, dinner, and dessert! It seriously look amazing!
Thanks a lot 🙂