Best Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

The simplest of mediterranean pastas — just garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes over spaghetti. This vegetarian favorite is a fresh, family-friendly option that comes together in under 15 minutes.

Cook 15 min Difficulty EASY 420 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • spaghetti 8 oz
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • fresh parsley 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 0.25 cup
  • red pepper flakes 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 60 g 57%
Protein 10 g 10%
Fat 16 g 34%
Serving size 225g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, about 8–9 minutes.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook gently, stirring often, until fragrant and just golden but not browned, about 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in the red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle for 10–15 seconds to infuse the oil. Do not let the garlic burn.

  4. 4

    Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the spaghetti. Immediately add hot spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil.

  5. 5

    Toss pasta continuously over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce lightly coats the noodles. Finish with kosher salt, black pepper, and parsley just before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe?
The dish centers on extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic, whose flavors are infused into the spaghetti as the foundational elements. The simplicity and balance of these two ingredients define the authentic taste and aroma of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.
Q. How should I control the heat when cooking the garlic?
Sauté the sliced garlic gently over medium-low heat and watch closely: the goal is golden, not browned. Stir frequently and remove from heat promptly, as burnt garlic will add bitterness and compromise the dish’s flavor.
Q. How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking or becoming dry when tossing with the oil?
Immediately add drained, hot spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the garlic oil, using some reserved pasta water to ensure a silky emulsion. This helps coat every strand evenly and avoids dryness or clumping.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving in this recipe?
Each 225g serving has approximately 420 kcal, with 60g carbohydrates (57%), 10g protein (10%), and 16g fat (34%), reflecting the naturally balanced carbs and healthy fats typical of Mediterranean pasta.
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