Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Simple and Flavorful Recipe

June 7, 2025 by Charlotte

Ready to whip up something fast and tasty? Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is your answer! This Italian classic blends just a few ingredients for a simple yet flavorful dish. All you need is spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create the perfect plate. Whether you’re a novice cook or a kitchen pro, this recipe will elevate your weeknight meals. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

– 400g spaghetti

– 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Flavor Enhancers

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– 1 lemon (zested and juiced)

– Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The garlic and olive oil create a rich sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly.

The red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. You can adjust them based on your taste. Adding lemon zest and juice brings a refreshing brightness that balances the flavors.

For a pop of color and flavor, I suggest using fresh parsley as a garnish. Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a creamy touch if you choose to use it.

This recipe is quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can find the Full Recipe with all the steps to guide you in preparing this delightful dish. Enjoy crafting this flavorful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Spaghetti

To start, you need a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 400g of spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Preparing the Garlic Oil

Next, grab a large skillet and pour in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the garlic. You want it golden but not burnt.

Combining Ingredients

Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss it well to coat every strand. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, about 1/4 cup at a time. This will help create a creamy sauce. Then, mix in the lemon juice and zest for a bright flavor. Toss everything together and season with salt to taste.

Now, you can enjoy your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a zesty twist! For more details, check the Full Recipe.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Garlic Flavor

To get the best garlic flavor, slice the garlic thinly. Thin slices cook evenly and release great flavor. I recommend using a sharp knife. This helps you control the size and ensures even cooking.

To prevent burning, keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks. Sauté it on medium heat. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. Remove it from the pan as soon as it turns golden. This way, you avoid a bitter taste.

How to Balance the Heat

Red pepper flakes add heat to your dish. Start with one teaspoon, then taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy. If you want a milder flavor, try using less.

For a gentle kick, consider using sweet paprika or smoked paprika instead. These alternatives add flavor without too much heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. Both complement the garlic and olive oil nicely. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water works well.

When plating your dish, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a nice touch too, if you like. Enjoy your beautiful meal!

Variations

Classic vs. Zesty Twist

The classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple and savory. It uses garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. The zesty twist adds lemon for brightness. This change gives the dish a fresh taste. The lemon zest and juice enhance the flavors. You can adjust the spice level too. This way, you can make it just right for your taste.

Additional Ingredients

You can add more to your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes work well. They add color and nutrition. You might also like to add protein. Shrimp or chicken can turn this dish into a main course. They pair well with the garlic flavor and make the meal heartier.

Dietary Modifications

If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands offer great options that taste good. For those who want a vegan meal, simply leave out the cheese. You can still enjoy a rich flavor with olive oil and garlic. These swaps keep the dish delicious and suitable for everyone.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the spaghetti cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio will last up to three days in the fridge. Remember to keep it away from strong-smelling foods.

Reheating Tips

For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently to warm it up evenly. If the flavors seem flat, add a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the dish and brings back its zest.

Freezing Options

Yes, you can freeze Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the reheating tips above. Enjoy your pasta any day!

FAQs

What does “Aglio e Olio” mean?

“Aglio e Olio” is Italian for “garlic and oil.” It describes the main ingredients in this dish. The name tells you exactly what to expect. Garlic adds strong flavor, while oil gives it richness. This simple mix creates a tasty sauce that you can enjoy with pasta.

Can I use spaghetti from a box?

Yes, you can use boxed spaghetti. Most box spaghetti works well for this recipe. Check the cooking time on the box. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it is firm but not hard. This texture is key for the best flavor and feel. Make sure to reserve some pasta water to help create a smooth sauce.

What can I substitute for garlic?

If you can’t use garlic, there are a few options. You can try shallots for a milder taste. Onion is another choice, but it is stronger. For a unique twist, use garlic-infused oil instead of fresh garlic. This gives you a similar flavor without the garlic itself.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet full of flavor. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance taste. Explore variations to make it your own. Remember, you can adjust flavors to suit your taste and enjoy it with sides. Storing leftovers properly keeps your meal fresh. This dish is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and sharing this classic Italian dish!

$- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The garlic and olive oil create a rich sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly. The red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. You can adjust them based on your taste. Adding lemon zest and juice brings a refreshing brightness that balances the flavors. For a pop of color and flavor, I suggest using fresh parsley as a garnish. Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a creamy touch if you choose to use it. This recipe is quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can find the Full Recipe with all the steps to guide you in preparing this delightful dish. Enjoy crafting this flavorful meal! To start, you need a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 400g of spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Next, grab a large skillet and pour in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the garlic. You want it golden but not burnt. Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss it well to coat every strand. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, about 1/4 cup at a time. This will help create a creamy sauce. Then, mix in the lemon juice and zest for a bright flavor. Toss everything together and season with salt to taste. Now, you can enjoy your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a zesty twist! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To get the best garlic flavor, slice the garlic thinly. Thin slices cook evenly and release great flavor. I recommend using a sharp knife. This helps you control the size and ensures even cooking. To prevent burning, keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks. Sauté it on medium heat. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. Remove it from the pan as soon as it turns golden. This way, you avoid a bitter taste. Red pepper flakes add heat to your dish. Start with one teaspoon, then taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy. If you want a milder flavor, try using less. For a gentle kick, consider using sweet paprika or smoked paprika instead. These alternatives add flavor without too much heat. Pair your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. Both complement the garlic and olive oil nicely. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water works well. When plating your dish, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a nice touch too, if you like. Enjoy your beautiful meal! {{image_2}} The classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple and savory. It uses garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. The zesty twist adds lemon for brightness. This change gives the dish a fresh taste. The lemon zest and juice enhance the flavors. You can adjust the spice level too. This way, you can make it just right for your taste. You can add more to your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes work well. They add color and nutrition. You might also like to add protein. Shrimp or chicken can turn this dish into a main course. They pair well with the garlic flavor and make the meal heartier. If you're gluten-free, try using gluten-free spaghetti. Many brands offer great options that taste good. For those who want a vegan meal, simply leave out the cheese. You can still enjoy a rich flavor with olive oil and garlic. These swaps keep the dish delicious and suitable for everyone. To store leftovers, let the spaghetti cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio will last up to three days in the fridge. Remember to keep it away from strong-smelling foods. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Stir gently to warm it up evenly. If the flavors seem flat, add a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the dish and brings back its zest. Yes, you can freeze Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the reheating tips above. Enjoy your pasta any day! "Aglio e Olio" is Italian for "garlic and oil." It describes the main ingredients in this dish. The name tells you exactly what to expect. Garlic adds strong flavor, while oil gives it richness. This simple mix creates a tasty sauce that you can enjoy with pasta. Yes, you can use boxed spaghetti. Most box spaghetti works well for this recipe. Check the cooking time on the box. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it is firm but not hard. This texture is key for the best flavor and feel. Make sure to reserve some pasta water to help create a smooth sauce. If you can't use garlic, there are a few options. You can try shallots for a milder taste. Onion is another choice, but it is stronger. For a unique twist, use garlic-infused oil instead of fresh garlic. This gives you a similar flavor without the garlic itself. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet full of flavor. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance taste. Explore variations to make it your own. Remember, you can adjust flavors to suit your taste and enjoy it with sides. Storing leftovers properly keeps your meal fresh. This dish is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and sharing this classic Italian dish!$