Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta) Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a soul-warming dinner that’s both elegant and easy, Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta) will be your new obsession. This classic dish, often called Aglio e Olio in Italy, champions a handful of simple ingredients that unite into something magical. Each twirl delivers silky noodles glossed in golden olive oil, kissed with mellowed garlic and zippy chili. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s weeknight perfection, but you’ll savor every bite like it came from your favorite trattoria.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta) is its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for the impact it brings, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with quick tips to get the best from each:

• Olive Oil: Use a generous ½ cup of good-quality extra virgin olive oil—it’s the foundation of the sauce, so the flavor truly shines through.
• Garlic: Thinly slice 10 fresh garlic cloves instead of mincing—this gives you melting, golden morsels rather than harsh, raw garlic.
• Chilli Flakes: One tablespoon adds that gentle kick; feel free to adjust to your spice tolerance, but go easy if you’re unsure!
• Spaghetti: Choose a sturdy, classic spaghetti (16 oz/500 grams), as it soaks up the aromatic oil beautifully while remaining al dente.
• Black Pepper: Cracked fresh over the finished dish delivers aromatic heat and a little sparkle.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate with a microplane for impossibly fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth sprinkles.
• Parsley: Finely chopped parsley brings vibrant color and a fresh note that balances the richness.

How to Make Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta)

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Chili in Olive Oil

Start by heating a large frying pan over high heat. Pour in the olive oil, letting it warm just enough to shimmer. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes together—the aromatic sizzle will let you know magic is happening! Fry for about 2–3 minutes. Keep a watchful eye: you want the garlic to soften and tiptoe toward golden brown, but not burn. When it’s just golden and your kitchen smells incredible, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the garlic is working its magic, drop your spaghetti into a pot of boiling salted water. Follow the package instructions, but always taste a strand a minute or two before the timer’s up. You want al dente texture—tender with a tiny bite in the center. When it’s just right, drain the pasta quickly in a colander, saving a splash of that starchy water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Combine Pasta with Garlic Oil

Immediately toss the hot, drained spaghetti straight into your pan with the garlic and chili oil. Use tongs to lift and turn the noodles so every strand is coated with that fragrant, golden sauce. The heat of the pasta helps the flavors bind together and creates a glossy finish that feels restaurant-worthy.

Step 4: Garnish Generously and Serve

Now comes the fun part! Pile the Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta) into bowls and shower each serving with plenty of black pepper, a flurry of parmesan, and bright green parsley. These final touches are more than just garnish—they bring the whole plate to life with sharpness, creaminess, and freshness.

How to Serve Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta)

Garnishes

The finishing touches are essential. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds creamy depth, while a shower of finely chopped parsley brightens each bite. Always finish with cracked black pepper for aroma and a little heat. If you’re feeling extra, a light drizzle of good olive oil never hurts!

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta) with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or maybe some crusty sourdough for mopping up any leftover oil at the bottom of your bowl. For a heartier meal, add roasted vegetables or a simple protein like grilled chicken or shrimp alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the fun! Try twirling the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate, then topping with a little extra parsley and parmesan. Or serve family style in a big rustic bowl, inviting everyone to dig in. For a dinner party twist, plate small portions in shallow bowls topped with a single roasted garlic clove for flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta) left, transfer it to an airtight container while still slightly warm to keep the pasta from drying out. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just keep in mind the flavors will mellow (but are still delicious!).

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for later. Pack the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as this preserves the texture and flavor.

Reheating

For quick reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to a skillet over low heat, then toss in the spaghetti and stir gently until warmed through. This prevents sticking and revives the silken sauce. You can also microwave individual portions—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta)?

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is traditional, linguine, fettuccine, or even thin angel hair work perfectly. Just be sure to follow the same cooking principles: al dente texture and good tossing in the garlic-infused oil.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Keep a close eye on the garlic as it cooks—slice it evenly so it browns at the same rate and stir frequently. Turn down the heat if you notice it browning too quickly. If the garlic burns, it can turn bitter, so better to err on the side of golden rather than deeply brown.

How spicy does the dish get with one tablespoon of chili flakes?

One tablespoon delivers a noticeable heat, but not overpowering, especially when mixed with all that olive oil and pasta. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less—you can always add more at the end, but you can’t take it away!

Is it necessary to use extra virgin olive oil?

For the best flavor in Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta), extra virgin olive oil is ideal because it’s fruity and peppery, highlighting the sauce. However, you can use regular olive oil in a pinch—the result will still be wonderful, just a little less intense in flavor.

What protein can I add to make this a full meal?

This pasta is filling on its own, but you can toss in grilled shrimp, sautéed chicken breast, or even crispy chickpeas for a protein boost. Add them just before garnishing to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already halfway to enjoying a gorgeous plate of Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta)! This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a way that feels special every time. Gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of something lovely, and treat yourself (and maybe a friend) to this timeless comfort food. Give it a try—it’s destined to become one of your new favorites, too!

Garlic Spaghetti (Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta) Recipe

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Garlic Spaghetti, also known as Aglio e Olio, is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili flakes. This quick and easy recipe is a perfect choice for a delicious weeknight meal.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Garlic, Chili, and Oil:

• 1/2 cup (125 ml) olive oil
• 10 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chili flakes

For the Pasta:

• 500 grams (16 oz) spaghetti

Garnish:

• Black pepper
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Garlic, Chili, and Oil: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add sliced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden.
2. Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
3. Combine: Add drained pasta to the garlic mixture. Toss to combine.
4. Garnish: Serve the pasta garnished with black pepper, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Garlic: Slice the garlic thinly for the best texture and flavor.
• Chili Flakes: Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 719 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 42mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 97g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 17g