Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish that highlights the beauty of simplicity in cooking. This traditional pasta dish from Naples features just a few basic ingredients—garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley—yet delivers a burst of flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal. Here’s how you can make this timeless dish at home.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti:
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti or your favorite long pasta
• Garlic:
  • 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• Olive Oil:
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) of extra virgin olive oil
• Chili Flakes:
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Parsley:
  • 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt:
  • Salt for the pasta water
• Optional:
  • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (for serving)
  • Lemon zest (for a touch of brightness)

Instructions:

Cook the Spaghetti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Prepare the Garlic and Oil:

• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic to the oil and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden brown and becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
• Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil with a hint of spice.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss the pasta in the oil, making sure it’s evenly coated. If the pasta seems too dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.

Add the Fresh Parsley:

• Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the pasta and toss everything together. The fresh parsley will add a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.

Serve:

• Transfer the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio to serving plates. If desired, top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for an extra layer of flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright finish.
• Serve immediately, while the pasta is still warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Garlic Intensity: If you love garlic, you can increase the amount used or add a clove or two of minced garlic in addition to the sliced garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
• Chili Flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. You can also use fresh chili peppers for a more intense heat.
• Anchovies: For a deeper umami flavor, add a couple of anchovy fillets to the olive oil along with the garlic, allowing them to melt into the sauce.
• Bread Crumbs: For added texture, sprinkle some toasted bread crumbs over the pasta before serving.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a dish that proves you don’t need many ingredients to create something truly delicious. With its simple yet bold flavors, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for any pasta lover. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Buon appetito!