Description
Spaghetti aglio e olio brings simple Italian pasta magic to kitchen tables with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley complete this classic Roman dish that delivers comfort through its delightful simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 6–8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Submerge spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Extract 1 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining pasta.
- Simultaneously, warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a gentle sizzling environment.
- Introduce thinly sliced garlic to the heated oil, gently sautéing for 2-3 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue. Exercise caution to prevent burning the delicate garlic.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the aromatic mixture, allowing them to bloom and release their fiery essence for approximately 30 seconds.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into the fragrant skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the garlic-infused oil through careful tossing.
- Assess pasta’s moisture level, gradually incorporating reserved cooking liquid in modest increments to create a silky, luxurious coating.
- Elevate flavors with precise seasoning, sprinkling salt and pepper to taste. Integrate fresh parsley for vibrant color and brightness.
- Present immediately, embellishing with optional garnishes like additional parsley, red pepper flakes, or zesty lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.
Notes
- Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic and rich flavor profile in this classic Italian dish.
- Slice garlic thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Toast red pepper flakes briefly in oil to release their essential oils and enhance their spicy, aromatic qualities without scorching.
- Keep pasta water starchy and salty, as it helps create a silky sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti and adds depth to the overall taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg