Simple yet irresistibly flavorful, Olive Oil and Garlic Pasta (also known as Aglio e Olio) is the ultimate quick dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining. This classic Italian dish highlights pantry staples like extra virgin olive oil, golden garlic slices, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Tossed with al dente spaghetti, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal effort. Ready in just 30 minutes, itβs a go-to option for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve it as a standalone dish or pair it with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a truly satisfying experience. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking simplicity!
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, finely slice the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to enhance the flavor.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the garlic and olive oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and mix well.
Season with additional salt to taste if needed.
Sprinkle fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing gently to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Calories |
1625 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.3 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.0 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 3222 mg | 140% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.3 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 45.0 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 638 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 362 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.