![- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 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! - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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! {{image_4}} 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. 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. 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]. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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!](https://tastymomrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3cca0dda-4f33-4a70-ac70-502619741edc-250x250.webp)
- 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!