Description
Spaghetti aglio e olio, a classic Italian pasta dish, delivers simple yet profound flavors from garlic, olive oil, and parsley. Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction for home cooks seeking authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup (25 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Flavor Infusion: In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, gently sautéing until it transforms into a golden, fragrant essence without burning – typically 2-3 minutes of careful attention.
- Spice Awakening: Introduce red pepper flakes to the aromatic oil, allowing them to release their subtle heat for a brief moment, creating a nuanced flavor foundation.
- Pasta Integration: Transfer cooked pasta into the infused oil, splashing in reserved cooking liquid. Toss vigorously to ensure each strand becomes luxuriously coated with the garlic-oil mixture, adjusting sauce consistency by gradually adding pasta water.
- Final Seasoning: Elevate the dish with precise salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, brighten with chopped parsley and lemon zest for an aromatic dimension.
- Serving Finale: Plate immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of parsley and a delicate dusting of Parmesan cheese for those seeking extra indulgence.
Notes
- Prevent Garlic Burning: Monitor garlic closely while sautéing, as it can quickly turn bitter and acrid when overcooked. Remove from heat immediately if it starts to brown.
- Master Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid before draining, which acts as a natural sauce thickener and helps pasta strands cling together seamlessly.
- Control Spice Intensity: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance. Start with a small pinch and gradually increase for a personalized flavor experience.
- Create Silky Sauce Technique: Add reserved pasta water incrementally while tossing, allowing the starch to emulsify with olive oil and create a smooth, glossy coating on each noodle.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 90 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg