![- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt, to taste - Parmesan cheese shavings for serving Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple dish that shines with few ingredients. Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor. I love how the garlic brings warmth, while olive oil adds richness. The red pepper flakes give a gentle heat. When you add lemon zest and juice, it brightens the dish, making it refreshing. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a nice herbal touch. Parmesan cheese is optional, but it gives a creamy finish. You can adjust the salt to your taste, which makes this dish even better. For the full recipe, you can find all the steps to create this savory delight! - Bring salted water to a boil - Cook spaghetti until al dente Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Once boiling, add 400g of spaghetti. Stir the pasta to prevent it from sticking. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. You want it al dente—firm but not hard. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. It will help the sauce later. - Heat olive oil over medium heat - Add garlic and sauté until golden brown In a large skillet, pour in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers but does not smoke. Now, add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic, stirring often for about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it; we want it golden brown, not burnt. This garlic will be the heart of your dish. - Stir in red pepper flakes - Toss in the cooked spaghetti with the garlic oil mixture After the garlic is golden, stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. Sauté for another 30 seconds to release the flavor. Now, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it well in the garlic oil mixture. If it looks dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time. Incorporate lemon zest and juice to brighten the dish. Finally, season with salt and toss in 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley. Your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is ready to serve! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. To make perfect spaghetti, cook it for about 8-10 minutes. This timing can vary by brand, so always check the package. You want it firm but not hard. To test for doneness, take a strand and bite it. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. Garlic can burn easily, which makes it bitter. To avoid this, sauté it on medium heat. Stir it often and watch for a golden color. This takes about 2-3 minutes. If it turns too dark, start over. Burnt garlic ruins the flavor. Lemon adds brightness to Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Use both zest and juice for a fresh taste. Start with half a lemon, then taste. You can always add more! For spice, red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference. A little goes a long way. {{image_2}} You can make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio even heartier by adding proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Simply cook them separately and toss them in with the pasta. You can also add sautéed vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and nutrition. Just sauté them in the garlic oil before mixing them with the spaghetti. To switch things up, try different herbs. Fresh basil or thyme can add a new taste. Just chop them and mix them in at the end. You can also use various cheeses for extra flavor. A sprinkle of feta or a bit of goat cheese can change the whole dish. Experiment with what you like! If you need gluten-free options, there are great pasta choices. Look for gluten-free spaghetti made from rice or corn. Other shapes like penne or fusilli also work well with this recipe. They will still soak up the garlic oil and flavors nicely. Remember, the key is to enjoy your meal in a way that works for you. To keep your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio fresh, follow these steps: - Let the spaghetti cool down. - Place it in an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use clear containers so you can see what’s inside. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you want to keep that great taste. Here’s how: - Use a skillet on low heat. - Add a splash of olive oil or pasta water. This helps keep the spaghetti moist. Stir gently to warm it through. Can you freeze Spaghetti Aglio e Olio? Yes, you can! Here’s how: - Cool it completely first. - Place it in a freezer-safe bag. - Squeeze out as much air as you can. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet for the best results. Enjoy your meal again! Aglio e Olio means "garlic and oil" in Italian. This dish comes from Naples, Italy. It is simple yet full of flavor. The dish uses just a few key ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. This style of cooking shows how basic items can create magic. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the spaghetti and toss it with oil and garlic. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you want to eat, simply reheat it on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil and a bit of pasta water to keep it moist. You can serve this dish with many sides. A fresh salad with greens and a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is a classic choice too. For drinks, pair it with white wine or sparkling water. These flavors balance the dish nicely. Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. It contains no meat or animal products, making it a great choice for vegetarians. If you want to make it vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can also add roasted vegetables for extra texture and taste. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, I covered how to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. We discussed the key ingredients like spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfect texture and flavor. Variations included adding proteins and experimenting with herbs. Lastly, we looked at proper storage and reheating methods. This dish shines with simplicity. With a few tweaks, it can fit any taste. Give it a try and enjoy!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5e0e473c-4389-4105-aba1-c254e8021b91.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown, being careful not to burn it (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the red pepper flakes and sauté for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Combine Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic oil mixture.
Incorporate Lemon: Add the reserved pasta water gradually (start with 1/4 cup), lemon zest, and lemon juice, continuing to toss until well combined.
Season and Serve: Add salt to taste and toss in the fresh parsley. Serve the spaghetti warm, topped with shavings of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4