Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Print Version)
A quick Italian pasta combining garlic, olive oil, and subtle spice for a comforting meal.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 ounces spaghetti
→ Oil and Flavoring
02 -
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
03 -
6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
04 -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
05 -
1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
→ Optional Garnishes
06 -
Shaved Parmesan cheese
07 -
Chopped fresh parsley
08 -
Sun-dried tomatoes
09 -
Lemon juice or zest
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
02 -
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté garlic until light golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning. Remove from heat if garlic finishes before pasta is ready.
03 -
Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup pasta cooking water. Transfer hot pasta to saucepan with garlic oil mixture. Add reserved pasta water and sauté over medium heat until the water evaporates.
04 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley, shaved Parmesan, and optional sun-dried tomatoes or lemon zest. Serve immediately.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
Monitor garlic carefully while sautéing to achieve a perfect golden color without burning.
02 -
Salt pasta water generously to enhance pasta flavor.
03 -
Prepare all ingredients before cooking to maintain smooth workflow.