aglio olio spaghetti recipe

The Best aglio olio spaghetti recipe

I’m thrilled to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – Aglio Olio Spaghetti. This classic Italian dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason.

It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavor. The aglio olio sauce, made from garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and sometimes anchovies, is the perfect accompaniment to al dente spaghetti.

My kids love helping me make this recipe, and it’s always a hit with the whole family. We enjoy it for weeknight dinners or as a special treat on the weekends.

One of the best things about aglio olio spaghetti is its simplicity – yet it’s so full of flavor and texture that you’ll want to make it again and again. The key to making this dish shine is in the technique of cooking the garlic just right – not too long or it will burn, but not too short or it will be raw.

I’ve found that using a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and regular olive oil gives the sauce a richer flavor than using just one type of oil. And don’t even get me started on the importance of using high-quality ingredients – fresh garlic, good quality olive oil, and real Parmesan cheese make all the difference in this recipe’s success.

I like to use a mix of grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for an extra burst of flavor.

Aglio e Olio Spaghetti

4.8 from 1072 votes

Aglio e Olio Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a simple yet flavorful sauce made with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4The spaghetti is done when it is tender but still firm to the bite.
5Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti in a colander.
6While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
8Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
9Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil.
10Toss well to coat the spaghetti evenly.
11If the spaghetti is too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
12Remove the skillet from the heat.
13Stir in the salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
14Toss well to combine.
15The cheese should melt slightly and create a creamy sauce.
16Transfer the aglio e olio spaghetti to serving plates.
17Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
18Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Italian dish.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
Tongs
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 5mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: For added protein, you can mix in cooked shrimp or chicken. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Aglio e Olio Spaghetti Works

This recipe is perfect for any occasion whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner. One thing that makes this recipe so great is its flexibility – you can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Another advantage is how well it freezes – simply toss cooked spaghetti with some oil and freeze for up to three months. When reheating always add some water to prevent drying out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Aglio e Olio Spaghetti

Q1: What is Aglio Olio Spaghetti?

Aglio olio spaghetti is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in southern Italy. It’s made with spaghetti tossed in a simple sauce made from garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and sometimes anchovies.

Q2: What are the main ingredients in Aglio Olio Spaghetti?

The main ingredients in aglio olio spaghetti are spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (optional), anchovies (optional), and sometimes grated Parmesan cheese.

Q3: How do I make Aglio Olio Spaghetti?

To make aglio olio spaghetti, start by cooking your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Then heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add minced garlic – cook until fragrant but not burnt.

Q4: Can I make Aglio Olio Spaghetti ahead of time?

No! This dish is best made just before serving as the sauce can become too oily if refrigerated beforehand.

Q5: Can I substitute other types of pasta for spaghetti?

No! The long shape of spaghetti allows it to hold onto the sauce perfectly which wouldn’t be possible with other types of pasta like penne or linguine.

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