🍳 How to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente (usually about 8–9 minutes). Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
2. Infuse the Oil
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over low-medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic and cook gently — not until it burns, but just until golden and fragrant. This step is crucial; it infuses the oil with the garlic’s mellow sweetness instead of bitterness.
3. Add the Heat
Sprinkle in the red chili flakes and stir for a few seconds. You’ll smell the warm, spicy aroma — this is where the flavor deepens.
4. Combine and Toss
Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss well to coat the strands evenly in the garlicky oil.
If it looks a bit dry, splash in some of the reserved pasta water. The starchy water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
5. Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt (and pepper, if you like).
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino for extra richness.
🌿 Tips for Perfect Aglio e Olio
-
Use good olive oil. Since it’s the main flavor base, quality matters. Choose extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, robust profile.
-
Watch the garlic carefully. Burnt garlic turns bitter — aim for a light golden color, no darker.
-
Don’t skip the pasta water. It’s the secret to achieving that glossy, restaurant-quality finish.
-
Add a twist: Try tossing in sautéed shrimp, roasted cherry tomatoes, or a handful of spinach for variety.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Dish
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio embodies everything Italian cuisine celebrates — simplicity, authenticity, and heart. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining. Every bite offers warmth from the garlic, a kick from the chili, and comfort from perfectly coated strands of pasta.
It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill your stomach — it nourishes your soul.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook with a nearly empty pantry, reach for your olive oil, garlic, and spaghetti. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like Italy itself.
