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
- 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.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) and stir for a few seconds.
- Toss in the drained pasta and mix well, adding small amounts of reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 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.
Print
Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add red pepper flakes and stir for a few seconds to infuse the oil with spice.
- 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.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper (if using). Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly.
- 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.