🎉 Introduction
There are dishes that define simplicity and elegance — and Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil, or Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, is one of them. This timeless Italian classic brings together just a few humble pantry staples to create a dish that’s bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
In just 25 minutes, you can have a plate of perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in golden, garlicky olive oil, kissed with the heat of red pepper flakes, and finished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that feels both effortless and elevated, rustic and refined.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or feeding unexpected guests, this is the recipe that saves dinner without sacrificing flavor. Pure comfort in every bite — no heavy sauces, no fuss, just authentic Italian flavor.
🧰 Equipment Needed
You won’t need fancy tools — just the essentials:
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Fine mesh strainer or colander
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
🛒 Ingredients
🍝 Pâtes et céréales:
- 797 g Spaghetti (or about 1.75 pounds)
🧄 Fruits et légumes:
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
🫒 Huiles et vinaigres:
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
🧂 Aides culinaires et épices:
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
🧀 Produits laitiers:
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Note: Traditionalists skip the cheese in aglio e olio — but we say go for it if it makes your taste buds happy!
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid is key to bringing the sauce together.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil
While the pasta is cooking, heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic and sauté until it becomes golden and fragrant — about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely — you want golden, not burnt.
Step 3: Add Red Pepper Flakes
Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to infuse the oil with heat.
Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance — a little goes a long way!
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water.
Toss everything together gently using tongs or a spoon, allowing the oil to coat every strand. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley & Parmesan
Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust salt to taste.
Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top — or leave it off for a traditional dairy-free version.
Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest for brightness.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6 generous portions
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, cozy late-night meals, or simple entertaining.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of olive oil or water to revive the texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it silky.
Tip: Leftovers make an amazing base for pasta salad the next day — just add cherry tomatoes or arugula!
🥄 Variations
Elevate or adapt the base recipe with these creative spins:
- Lemony Aglio e Olio: Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of juice at the end
- Protein Boost: Stir in shrimp, grilled chicken, or chickpeas
- Veggie Version: Add spinach, blistered tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms
- Crunchy Topping: Finish with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts
- Cheese-Lovers’ Style: Use a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano
- Vegan-Friendly: Omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative
- Spicy Garlic Butter: Replace some olive oil with butter for a rich finish
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Is Parmesan traditional in Aglio e Olio?
Traditionally, no. But adding Parmesan makes it richer and more satisfying — especially if you’re not a purist.
2. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is key. Garlic powder won’t provide the same bold, aromatic flavor.
3. How do I keep garlic from burning?
Cook over medium heat and stir constantly. Burnt garlic turns bitter — golden is what you want.
4. Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair work well, though spaghetti is classic.
5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta — the sauce is naturally gluten-free.
6. What olive oil is best?
Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil — it’s the heart of the dish.
7. Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly. You control the heat with the amount of red pepper flakes.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just be sure your skillet is big enough to toss the pasta well.
9. Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but you can make and store it for later — reheat gently and refresh with oil and parsley.
10. Can kids enjoy this dish?
Yes — just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
🏁 Conclusion
Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most memorable meals. With just pasta, garlic, olive oil, and a few seasonings, you can create a dish that’s fast, elegant, and comforting.
Whether it’s a midnight craving, a meatless Monday, or a dinner party starter, this recipe will never let you down. Try it once, and you’ll have a new staple in your kitchen repertoire — guaranteed.
Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (25-Minute Aglio e Olio) – A Simple, Bold Italian Classic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid is key to bringing the sauce together.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and sauté until it becomes golden and fragrant — about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely — you want golden, not burnt.
- Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to infuse the oil with heat.
- Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance — a little goes a long way!
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together gently using tongs or a spoon, allowing the oil to coat every strand. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust salt to taste.
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on top — or leave it off for a traditional dairy-free version.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest for brightness.
Notes
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of olive oil or water to revive the texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it silky. Tip: Leftovers make an amazing base for pasta salad the next day — just add cherry tomatoes or arugula! 🥄 Variations
Elevate or adapt the base recipe with these creative spins: Lemony Aglio e Olio: Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of juice at the end Protein Boost: Stir in shrimp, grilled chicken, or chickpeas Veggie Version: Add spinach, blistered tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms Crunchy Topping: Finish with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts Cheese-Lovers’ Style: Use a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano Vegan-Friendly: Omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative Spicy Garlic Butter: Replace some olive oil with butter for a rich finish ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Is Parmesan traditional in Aglio e Olio?
Traditionally, no. But adding Parmesan makes it richer and more satisfying — especially if you’re not a purist. 2. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is key. Garlic powder won’t provide the same bold, aromatic flavor. 3. How do I keep garlic from burning?
Cook over medium heat and stir constantly. Burnt garlic turns bitter — golden is what you want. 4. Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair work well, though spaghetti is classic. 5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta — the sauce is naturally gluten-free. 6. What olive oil is best?
Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil — it’s the heart of the dish. 7. Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly. You control the heat with the amount of red pepper flakes. 8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just be sure your skillet is big enough to toss the pasta well. 9. Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but you can make and store it for later — reheat gently and refresh with oil and parsley. 10. Can kids enjoy this dish?
Yes — just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version. 🏁 Conclusion
Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil proves that sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most memorable meals. With just pasta, garlic, olive oil, and a few seasonings, you can create a dish that’s fast, elegant, and comforting. Whether it’s a midnight craving, a meatless Monday, or a dinner party starter, this recipe will never let you down. Try it once, and you’ll have a new staple in your kitchen repertoire — guaranteed.
