Pasta Aglio e Olio
A traditional Italian pasta dish made with just spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. It is one of the most elegant and minimal dishes in Italian cooking with incredible depth of flavor.
Simple spaghetti tossed with golden garlic and chili-infused olive oil for a perfect weeknight meal.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
main
aromatics
fat
spices
garnish
seasoning
liquid
topping
Instructions
Boil the pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous teaspoon of salt. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Slowly infuse the oil
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook very slowly for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Do not let it burn.
Add chili flakes
Add the red chili flakes to the golden garlic oil and stir for 30 seconds to release their heat and flavor into the oil.
Toss pasta in the sauce
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss over medium heat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time and toss vigorously to emulsify a silky sauce around the pasta.
Finish and plate
Remove from heat and toss with fresh parsley. Divide into bowls and top with grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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