Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
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Flavorful Simplicity: The harmonious blend of garlic-infused olive oil and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes creates a delightful taste experience.
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Versatile: Enjoy it as is, or customize with additions like sautéed vegetables, proteins, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
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8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
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½ cup extra virgin olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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Salt, for pasta water
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking gently until the garlic is golden and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). Avoid burning the garlic.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic oil. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
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Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 2 servings.
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for added protein.
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Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the pasta.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Long pasta varieties like spaghetti or linguine are traditional choices, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
Is it necessary to use extra virgin olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich flavor that’s central to this dish, but regular olive oil can be used if needed.
How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir frequently. Remove the skillet from heat if the garlic starts to brown too quickly.
Can I add cheese to this pasta?
While traditional Aglio e Olio doesn’t include cheese, adding grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can enhance the flavor.
What can I use instead of red pepper flakes?
For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes. For a different heat profile, consider using freshly ground black pepper or a dash of cayenne.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Adding a small amount of reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the garlic-infused oil ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What other herbs can I use for garnish?
Fresh basil, oregano, or chives make excellent alternatives or additions to parsley.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or topping with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Pasta with olive oil and garlic is a timeless dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Its versatility allows for numerous variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Print
Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pasta with olive oil and garlic, or “Aglio e Olio,” is a simple yet flavorful Italian dish. Made with al dente pasta tossed in aromatic garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil, this easy recipe is enhanced with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until garlic is golden and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in garlic oil.
- If needed, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Herb Infusion: Try basil, oregano, or thyme for extra depth of flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: Mix in a bit of pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Extra Flavor: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, or toasted breadcrumbs for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
