Go Back

Aglio E Olio

A classic Italian dish featuring fragrant garlic, spicy chili flakes, and rich olive oil. Simple yet flavorful, Aglio E Olio is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base
  • 500 g Spaghetti The heart of this dish, becomes beautifully soft and chewy.
  • 8 cloves Garlic The star ingredient for a distinctive flavor.
  • 6 tbsp Olive Oil Rich and fruity, crucial for a silky finish.
  • 2 tsp Chili Flakes Adds a kick of heat to the dish.
  • 8 tbsp Pasta Water Helps to create a creamy sauce.
Fresh Ingredients
  • 100 g Parsley Adds color and earthiness to the dish.
  • 1 piece Lemon Brightens the dish balancing richness.
  • Salt Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • Black Pepper Black Pepper Adds warmth and depth.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then salt it generously. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Finely slice your garlic cloves and add them to the pan along with the chili flakes. Stir continuously to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
  3. Reserve a mug of the starchy pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Cooking
  1. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the garlic and chili mixture, along with a pinch of salt. Allow to simmer.
  2. Chop the parsley and add the drained spaghetti and parsley to the frying pan. Squeeze in the lemon juice and season to taste with salt.
  3. Toss everything together vigorously and adjust the consistency with more reserved pasta water if necessary.
Serving
  1. Plate the Aglio E Olio and garnish with remaining parsley. Drizzle with a touch more olive oil and enjoy warm.

Notes

Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning. Cheese lovers can add freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano if desired.