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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
