Classic Aglio e Olio (Garlic and Oil Pasta)

There is a special kind of magic in classic Italian cooking, where the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. This Aglio e Olio is the perfect example—a humble yet elegant dish of pasta tossed with fragrant garlic and warm olive oil. It’s my go-to recipe for a busy weeknight when I crave a meal that is both comforting and quick to prepare. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and its versatility. Serve this pasta as is for a timeless classic, or use it as a base and add your favorite ingredients—chopped red peppers and extra chili flakes, for instance, add a wonderful level of spicy sweetness that my family adores.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or linguine
• ½ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
• 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, or to taste
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 ½ cups of the starchy pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and red chili flakes. Cook gently, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it brown, as it will become bitter.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand.
4. Add about 1 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and toss continuously. The starchy water will combine with the olive oil to create a beautifully smooth, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta. If it seems too dry, add a splash more pasta water.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
6. Serve immediately, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if you wish. Enjoy the simple elegance of this wonderful dish!

Nutrition