Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary feast! This mouthwatering Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Italian sausage is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines classic Italian simplicity with hearty, satisfying ingredients. Imagine twirling your fork into perfectly cooked spaghetti, draped in golden olive oil, studded with spicy Italian sausage, and kissed by fragrant garlic and red pepper flakes. One bite, and you'll be transported straight to the bustling streets of Naples, where every pasta dish tells a delicious story.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Parsley for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 ounces of spaghetti, 1 pound of Italian sausage (sliced), 4 cloves of garlic (thinly sliced), 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup of olive oil, parsley for garnish, and salt to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Italian sausage to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir to combine. This will add a nice kick to the dish.
- When the spaghetti is ready, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Immediately add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Toss to combine, allowing the spaghetti to soak up the flavors of the sausage and garlic.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta and toss again to coat everything evenly. Taste and season with salt as needed.
- Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the spaghetti to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Italian sausage!
Tips
- Salt is your secret weapon: Use generously salted water when cooking pasta to ensure maximum flavor.
- Never rush the garlic: Sauté it gently to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Reserve pasta water is liquid gold: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients cling to the pasta.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor profile.
- Choose fresh parsley for garnish to add brightness and freshness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 815kcal
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 43g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
