Imagine a pasta dish so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it transforms just a few humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the ultimate Italian secret weapon in your kitchen - a lightning-fast recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With just six ingredients and 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests impressed.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Red chili flakes
- Parsley
- Salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water - it should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves. Use a sharp knife to create very thin, almost translucent slices.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking gently to infuse the oil with flavor. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- When the garlic becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden, remove the skillet from heat to prevent burning.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic and chili oil. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat each strand with the aromatic oil.
- If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light, silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti.
- Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the pasta. Give a final toss to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls. For an optional touch, add an extra sprinkle of red chili flakes or freshly ground black pepper.
Tips
- Salt is crucial - use plenty in your pasta water to ensure well-seasoned noodles
- Watch your garlic carefully: low and slow prevents bitterness
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
- Reserve pasta water is your secret sauce weapon for creating silky texture
- Fresh parsley makes a huge difference - don't skip it!
- Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the flavors are most vibrant
- Adjust chili flakes to your personal spice preference
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
