Save It was 11 PM on a Tuesday and I was starving but refused to order takeout again. I raided my pantry and found just enough spaghetti and olive oil to throw together this aglio e olio. That first bite hit me with so much flavor I could not believe it came from five ingredients. Now it is my emergency dinner whenever I need something incredible in minutes.
I made this for my sister last winter when she was feeling overwhelmed with work. She watched me toss the pasta and asked if that was really it. One forkful later she was texting me the recipe at midnight because she needed it in her life immediately.
Ingredients
- 200 g dried spaghetti: The long strands hold onto the garlic oil perfectly and feel satisfying to twirl on your fork
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: This carries all the flavor so use the good stuff you save for special occasions
- 4 large garlic cloves thinly sliced: Slice them thin instead of mincing so they sweeten as they cook instead of burning
- 1 tsp red chili flakes: Adjust up or down depending on how much heat you like that day
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh pop of color and brightness that cuts through the rich oil
- Salt and black pepper: Finish with a generous grind of pepper right before serving
- 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but adds a salty umami layer if you are not keeping it dairy free
Instructions
- Boil the pasta:
- Drop your spaghetti into salted boiling water and cook until al dente then scoop out half a cup of the starchy water before draining. That liquid gold is going to bring everything together.
- Infuse the oil:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium low heat and add your sliced garlic. Watch it closely and stir often until it smells incredible and starts turning golden around the edges. Do not walk away or it will burn and taste bitter.
- Add the heat:
- Throw in the chili flakes and let them sizzle for just ten seconds. The oil will start smelling spicy and fragrant.
- Combine everything:
- Add the drained spaghetti right into the skillet and toss it through the garlicky oil. Splash in some of that reserved pasta water if it looks dry or clumpy.
- Season and serve:
- Taste and add salt and pepper then toss in the parsley. Pile it onto plates immediately and grate Parmesan over the top if you are using it.
Save This pasta became my go to during that first year in my apartment when money was tight and cooking felt overwhelming. It taught me that simple ingredients treated with respect can create something magical.
Making It Your Own
I love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end for brightness. You can also toss in some sautéed shrimp or canned tuna if you want protein. A handful of baby spinach or arugula wilts beautifully into the hot pasta and makes it feel more substantial.
Pasta Water Magic
The starchy water you reserved is what transforms this from oily pasta into a cohesive dish. The starch helps emulsify the olive oil so it clings to the spaghetti instead of pooling at the bottom of your bowl. Add it a splash at a time while tossing until you get a glossy coating.
Common Questions
People always ask why the garlic is sliced instead of minced. Thin slices cook more evenly and give you sweet caramelized bits instead of raw harsh pieces. Can you use garlic powder instead? No fresh garlic is non negotiable here because the texture and flavor profile are completely different.
- Gluten free pasta works if that is what you need
- Omit the Parmesan for a fully vegan dish
- Make it double because leftovers reheat surprisingly well
Save Some nights the simplest food is exactly what you need. This pasta reminds me that you do not need fancy ingredients or hours at the stove to make something worth remembering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Cook garlic over medium-low heat and stir frequently until it turns golden and fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, increase or reduce red chili flakes according to your preferred heat level without altering the core flavors.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Reserving some pasta water helps loosen the sauce and ensures the spaghetti is evenly coated with the infused oil.
- → What cheese complements this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory richness, but it’s optional or can be substituted with vegan alternatives.
- → Can gluten-free pasta be used?
Yes, gluten-free spaghetti works well and maintains the dish’s integrity for those with sensitivities.
- → How long does the dish take to prepare?
Total time is about 10 minutes, with 2 minutes for prep and 8 minutes for cooking the pasta.