Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6 servings (up to)
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Calories
3998 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Description
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio features spaghetti tossed with golden garlic slices cooked carefully in extra virgin olive oil, accented by optional red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. The reserved pasta water helps marry the oil and pasta, yielding a lightly sauced dish that clings well to each strand. The garlic’s aroma and mild toasted crunch give distinct flavor and texture while avoiding bitterness by watching the cooking carefully.
This dish is best served freshly made to retain the slightly crisp garlic and smooth texture. Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds umami and creamy notes, while parsley brings a fresh herbal contrast. It pairs well with simple side dishes or as a base for additional vegetables or proteins.
Maintaining control over garlic cooking ensures a gentle golden color without burning, which preserves a balanced taste. The pasta’s cooking time is monitored closely to avoid overcooking. Leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- kosher salt
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 garlic thinly sliced, cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, or more to your liking)
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese optional, or more to your liking, grated
- parsley optional, for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and reserve the water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water well (with about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt). Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until just before al dente (mine took about 9 minutes). Before you drain the pasta, reserve 1 1/2 cups of the pasta’s cooking water.
- Gently cook the garlic. About 4 minutes after you add the pasta to the boiling water, warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir until it’s just beginning to turn golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Be sure to turn the heat down if necessary so that the garlic does not burn.
- Season the garlicky oil (optional). When the garlic has just started to brown, add the red pepper flakes (if using) and toss for 30 seconds or so. If the pasta is not ready, move the oil off the heat until the pasta is done.
- Incorporate the pasta water. If you removed the pan from the heat, return it to medium heat once you’ve drained the cooked pasta. Whisk the reserved pasta water into the oil and bring to a simmer until the liquid reduces by about 1/3.
- Coat the pasta in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and stir until it’s nicely coated in the sauce and cooked to your liking. Turn the heat off and add the parmesan and parsley (if using). Toss once more to combine
- Rest and serve. Allow the pasta a couple of minutes to rest and absorb the sauce before serving. Optionally, enjoy with more parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side.
Notes
- Monitor garlic closely to achieve a slight golden color and prevent burning, which causes bitterness.
- Reserve pasta cooking water to help create a smooth sauce that coats the spaghetti evenly.
- Use quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, choosing an oil with buttery or peppery notes based on preference.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water while stirring to reincorporate the oil.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste for mild or spicier heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings (up to)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 3998 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 399.8kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 9.8g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 4.9mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 92.1mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 152.9mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1.6g | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 97.8IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1.3mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 81.5mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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