Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A classic Italian pasta dish made with simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 400 g 14 oz spaghetti
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4-5 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and toss in the chopped parsley (if using).
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese (optional).