Our full recipe guide on how to make Aglio e Olio one of the most popular dishes in Italy.
Aglio e Olio, which translates to “garlic and oil” in Italian, is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that highlights the richness of garlic infused in good quality olive oil.
This Aglio e Olio recipe offers a beautifully simple dish that is both quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the essence of Italian cooking.
This classic dish requires minimal ingredients but delivers a rich taste, making it a favorite for a quick and delicious meal.
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How to Make Aglio e Olio
Aglio e Olio Recipe Ingredients
Spaghetti: 400 grams (about 14 ounces)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/2 cup
Garlic: 4-6 cloves, thinly sliced
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Parsley: 1/4 cup, freshly chopped
Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: to taste
Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving (optional)
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Step By Step How to Make Aglio e Olio
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Aglio e Olio Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic to the skillet. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
Add the red pepper flakes to the garlic and oil, letting them sizzle for a few seconds. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much as it can become bitter.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat the pasta in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Serve
Serve the pasta immediately, optionally sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for added flavor.
Tips To Make Aglio e Olio
Slice the garlic evenly to ensure it cooks at the same rate. Using a mandoline can help achieve uniform slices. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor since it’s one of the main ingredients.
Cook the garlic on low heat to avoid burning. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to the oil. Adding reserved pasta water helps emulsify and distribute the garlic oil evenly, creating a better sauce consistency.
How Many Calories Have Aglio e Olio
A serving of Aglio e Olio can range between 400-500 calories, largely depending on the amount of olive oil used and whether or not you add Parmesan cheese.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.