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Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe (Quick and Easy!)

Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

There's something incredibly comforting about a plate of spaghetti aglio e olio. This classic Italian dish always brings me back to my favorite little trattoria in the heart of Rome, where the aroma of garlic and olive oil fills the air. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also so easy and quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you're craving something special without a lot of fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 400 g spaghetti choose your favorite brand for the best results
  • 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil high-quality oil; it makes all the difference
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to your spice tolerance
For Garnish
  • salt to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped
  • grated Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
  2. Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; burnt garlic is not what we want!
  3. Step 3: Next, add the drained spaghetti to your skillet, tossing it well to combine with the garlic oil. If it looks a bit dry, gradually add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt to taste, and toss in the chopped parsley for that fresh flavor.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

If you have leftovers, let the spaghetti cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of olive oil or some reserved pasta water to bring it back to life.