Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic

A simple yet flavorful dish, pasta with olive oil and garlic (Aglio e Olio) is a classic Italian recipe that highlights the beauty of minimal ingredients. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish is light, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Requires only pantry staples.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable with proteins, vegetables, or spice levels.
  • Healthy and Light: Olive oil and garlic provide great flavors without heavy sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh garlic, thinly sliced
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Pasta water

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and stir for a few seconds.
  4. Toss in the drained pasta and mix well, adding small amounts of reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using), and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2-4
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

  • Add Protein: Toss in grilled shrimp, chicken, or crispy bacon.
  • Vegetarian Additions: Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Extra Flavor: Stir in lemon zest or anchovies for depth.
  • Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the pasta may become mushy.

FAQs

How can I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook garlic over medium-low heat and stir frequently to prevent it from turning bitter.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes, both options work well. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

What type of olive oil should I use?

Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds a nice salty touch, though traditional Aglio e Olio is often served without cheese.

What can I substitute for red pepper flakes?

Try finely chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of cayenne for heat.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, as long as you omit the cheese.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for the best taste, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

How can I make this a complete meal?

Serve with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or a protein of your choice.

Why is pasta water important in this recipe?

It helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance for quick cooking.

Conclusion

Pasta with olive oil and garlic is a timeless dish that brings out the best in simple ingredients. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite add-ins, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that never disappoints.

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Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

A simple yet flavorful Italian pasta dish made with just a few ingredients—garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. This classic dish from Naples is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for freshness)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not burned.
  3. Add red pepper flakes and stir for a few seconds to infuse the oil with spice.
  4. Lower the heat and add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic-infused oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
  5. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper (if using). Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
  6. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest (if desired).

Notes

  • For extra richness, add a small knob of butter before tossing the pasta.
  • If you love seafood, try adding shrimp or anchovies for extra umami flavor.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish.

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