Savory Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Quick and Easy Recipe

Are you craving a quick and delicious meal? Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is packed with flavor and super easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this classic Italian dish in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this recipe will impress your taste buds. Let’s dive into this savory journey and learn how to create the perfect plate!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 400g spaghetti

– 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

– ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Additional Flavor Enhancers

– Zest of 1 lemon

– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

– ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

– Salt, to taste

– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

When I make spaghetti aglio e olio, I love how simple it is. The main ingredients shine through. You only need four key components to create this classic dish. Let’s break them down.

First, the spaghetti. I use 400g of good-quality spaghetti. It holds the sauce well and gives the right texture.

Next, garlic is crucial. I slice six cloves thinly. This way, it cooks evenly and releases flavor.

Then comes the olive oil. I prefer ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. It adds richness and a smooth finish.

Finally, I add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This gives the dish a nice kick. You can adjust this based on your spice level.

Now, for the additional flavor enhancers. I add zest from one lemon and two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This brightens the dish. The lemon balances the rich oil and garlic.

I also chop ¼ cup of fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness. A little salt to taste enhances the flavors.

Lastly, for those who love cheese, I suggest freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. It’s optional but highly recommended for added flavor.

This recipe is quick, easy, and full of taste. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Spaghetti

– Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

– Bring the water to a boil.

– Add 400g of spaghetti to the pot.

– Cook until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

– Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.

– Drain the spaghetti in a colander.

Preparing the Garlic and Oil

– Heat ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

– Add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic to the oil.

– Sauté the garlic until it turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

– Stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

– Cook for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil.

Combining Ingredients

– Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic and oil.

– Add the reserved pasta water, zest of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

– Gently toss to mix all the ingredients.

– Cook for 1-2 more minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.

– Stir in ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh parsley and season with salt.

For the detailed instructions, check out the Full Recipe.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Garlic Sauté

– Monitor garlic closely to avoid burning. Garlic cooks fast and can turn bitter.

– Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level. Start with a little, then add more.

Enhancing Flavor

– Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This makes a big difference in taste.

– Incorporate freshly grated cheese for richness. It adds a creamy texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

– Serve in a large, shallow dish. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for your table.

– Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges for visual appeal. This adds color and freshness.

For a full experience, check the Full Recipe and enjoy your cooking adventure!

Variations

Adding Proteins

You can make your spaghetti Aglio e Olio heartier by adding proteins. Shrimp, chicken, or bacon can enhance the dish. Just cook the protein separately and add it to the pasta before serving. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely flavor. Chicken, sliced thinly, offers a hearty touch. Bacon gives a smoky taste that pairs well with garlic.

Vegan Option

For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also use plant-based cheese. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute if you want a cheesy flavor without dairy. It adds a nutty taste and packs a nutritious punch.

Flavor Additions

You can boost the nutrition and taste by adding cherry tomatoes or spinach. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet burst of flavor. Just cut them in half and toss them in with the garlic. Spinach wilts nicely when mixed with hot pasta. It adds color and extra vitamins. These simple additions can transform your dish into something special.

For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe].

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store your spaghetti aglio e olio in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure it cools down before you seal the container.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm it on the stove. Add a splash of water to restore moisture. This helps avoid dry pasta. Stir it often to heat evenly.

Freezing

You can freeze spaghetti aglio e olio for up to a month. Use freezer-safe containers to keep it fresh. However, I recommend enjoying it fresh. The flavors shine best when made and eaten right away.

FAQs

What type of spaghetti is best for Aglio e Olio?

Look for good-quality durum wheat spaghetti for the best texture. Durum wheat creates a firm noodle that holds sauce well. This makes each bite satisfying. You can find it in most stores.

Can I make Aglio e Olio ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh for optimal flavor and texture. If you make it early, the garlic flavor may fade. The pasta can also become gummy. If you must prepare it ahead, store it well. Reheat gently to bring back some taste.

How can I make this dish less oily?

Use less olive oil while ensuring enough for flavor, or incorporate more pasta water. Reducing the oil helps keep it light. Adding pasta water gives moisture without adding fat. This way, you still get that lovely taste without feeling heavy.

This blog post explored a simple, delicious Aglio e Olio recipe. We covered the main ingredients and added flavor enhancers. You learned how to cook the spaghetti and prepare the garlic oil. We shared tips for perfect sautéing and creative variations. Lastly, I discussed storage and reheating methods.

Enjoy making this dish with friends and family. The fresh flavors can brighten any meal. Keep experimenting to find your favorite twist!

- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Discover the deliciousness of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a zesty twist! This quick and easy recipe combines al dente pasta with flavorful garlic, a kick of red pepper flakes, and fresh lemon zest for a bright and vibrant dish. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare! Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering meal.

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Ingredients

  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

 

Cook the Spaghetti: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.

Sauté the Garlic: In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, add the sliced garlic and sauté until it's golden brown and aromatic, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.

Infuse the Oil: Mix in the red pepper flakes, stirring thoroughly to incorporate them with the garlic and oil. Allow this to cook for an additional 30 seconds, letting the heat infuse into the oil.

Combine with Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, followed by the reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the garlicky oil mixture. Let it cook for an extra 1-2 minutes to enable the pasta to fully absorb all the delightful flavors.

Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the finely chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.

Optional Enhancement: For an added touch of richness, serve the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top, which will enhance the overall flavor profile.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the spaghetti in a large, shallow serving dish, beautifully garnished with extra parsley and a light dusting of red pepper flakes for vibrancy. Enhance the presentation by adding a lemon wedge alongside for a refreshing pop of color and a hint of brightness on the plate.