Discover how to make Pasta Aglio e Olio, a simple yet delicious Italian dish. With garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, it’s ready in minutes!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Simplicity: Made with just a few basic ingredients, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for any skill level.
- Quick Cooking Time: This dish can be ready in about 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes creates a rich, savory flavor profile that’s both comforting and delicious.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding ingredients like vegetables, proteins, or different herbs to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses inexpensive ingredients, making it a cost-effective meal option.
- Healthy: With olive oil as a primary ingredient, it’s a heart-healthy dish that can fit into various dietary plans.
- Light Yet Satisfying: It’s filling without being overly heavy, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Authentic Italian Flavor: This dish captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking, bringing a taste of Italy to your table.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Perfect Base Recipe: Once you master this classic, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients, making it a versatile staple in your cooking repertoire.
Key Ingredients
- Pasta – The foundation of the dish, it serves as the main component that absorbs the flavors of the sauce. Spaghetti is the traditional choice, but any pasta shape works well.
- Garlic – The star flavor in this dish, garlic releases a rich aroma when sautéed and adds depth, making the dish fragrant and savory.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil is essential for creating the sauce. It adds richness and acts as a base for the garlic, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while providing health benefits.
- Chili Flakes (or Fresh Chili) – These provide a spicy kick that balances the richness of the olive oil and garlic. The heat enhances the dish’s flavor without overpowering it, making it exciting and flavorful.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. It complements the other flavors, providing a bright contrast and enhancing visual appeal.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic. The flavors will shine through in this simple dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Sauté the garlic until it’s lightly golden but not browned. Overcooking can lead to a bitter taste.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help emulsify the sauce and add creaminess.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili flakes or fresh chili. You can always add more if you like it spicy.
- Toss Thoroughly: Once you combine the pasta with the garlic and oil, toss everything together well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Fresh Herbs: For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like basil or oregano along with the parsley.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after preparation to savor its full flavor and texture.
- Add Protein or Veggies: Feel free to enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or seasonal vegetables for a more substantial meal.
- Garnish with Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese can elevate the dish, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Experiment with Variations: Once you master the basic recipe, don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes or olives, to create your own twist.
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Easy Pasta Aglio e Olio Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Italian Classic
Description
Discover how to make Pasta Aglio e Olio—a simple yet delicious Italian dish. With garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, it’s ready in minutes!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti (or your pasta of choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
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Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Season
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together for an additional minute to heat through.
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Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Pasta Aglio e Olio!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- Calories from Fat 230kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 5mg2%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
