![- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Spaghetti is the heart of this dish. Choose a good quality brand for the best taste. Garlic gives it that bold flavor. The olive oil adds richness and a smooth texture. - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt, to taste - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) Red pepper flakes add heat. You can adjust them based on your spice level. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley and lemon zest brighten the dish. Parmesan cheese is a nice touch, but it’s optional. For the full recipe and cooking steps, check out the [Full Recipe]. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente pasta, which means it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When it's done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti in a colander. While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until it's golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Next, stir in the red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it well with the garlic oil. If the pasta feels dry, use the reserved pasta water. Add it slowly until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped parsley and lemon zest. This adds a fresh flavor. Plate the spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve it immediately for the best taste. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Timing is key when sautéing garlic. Start with medium heat and watch closely. Add the garlic once the oil is hot. Sauté until it turns golden, about 2-3 minutes. If you let it cook too long, it will burn. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Pair your spaghetti with a light white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. For extra flavor, try adding spices like oregano or basil. A pinch of lemon zest brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for more heat. Use a large pot for boiling spaghetti. A heavy skillet works best for sautéing garlic. A pasta fork helps you serve easily. A good cutting board is great for chopping garlic and parsley. These tools make cooking simple and fun. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio even better with veggies. Adding spinach provides a fresh touch. Just toss in a handful towards the end of cooking. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color, too. Slice them in half and add them with the garlic. This gives the dish some sweetness and a nice texture. Want to make your meal heartier? You can add shrimp or chicken. Cook shrimp in the olive oil until they turn pink. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. Both add protein and flavor. If you prefer vegan options, add chickpeas or tofu. They absorb the garlic oil well, making them tasty. Mixing in anchovies or capers can boost the flavor. Anchovies melt into the sauce, adding depth. Capers give a nice briny taste. Don’t forget, you can also switch the pasta type. Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a twist. Each type offers its own unique taste and texture. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your leftover spaghetti aglio e olio fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the pasta in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The dish stays good for about three days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet instead of a microwave. Heat a little olive oil in the skillet, then add your pasta. Stir gently until warm. If it seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess. Freezing spaghetti aglio e olio is simple. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. The dish will last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet. Add a little olive oil or pasta water if needed. This keeps your dish tasty and prevents it from drying out. “Aglio e Olio” means “garlic and oil” in Italian. This dish features these two main ingredients. It highlights simple cooking with bold flavors. The name reflects its roots in Italian cuisine, where fresh, quality ingredients shine. Making Spaghetti Aglio e Olio ahead saves time. Here’s how: 1. Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and cool. 2. Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Let it cool. 3. Combine: Toss the spaghetti with the garlic oil. 4. Store: Place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. 5. Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water if needed. This method keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta! It adds a nutty flavor and boosts fiber. Whole wheat pasta cooks differently, so check the package for time. It’s a healthy swap that works well with the garlic and oil. You still get the same great taste in a healthier meal. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet flavorful. We covered main ingredients like spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. I shared tips for perfecting the garlic flavor and enhancing the dish with spices or proteins. You learned how to store leftovers properly and saw variations you can try. This dish is versatile and easy to make. Use it to impress friends or enjoy a quick meal. Now, you have the skills to create a delicious Aglio e Olio. Enjoy cooking!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3377e448-e71c-4962-9e8a-0a1e2a05ff79-250x250.webp)
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Indulge in the simple yet flavorful Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a garlic-lover's delight! This easy recipe features just a few ingredients—spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Learn how to bring this classic Italian dish to life with fresh parsley and lemon zest for an irresistible twist.