![- 400g spaghetti - 6 large cloves of garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt, to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Zest of 1 lemon When you cook Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, fresh ingredients matter a lot. - Choosing quality garlic: Look for firm, unblemished cloves. Fresh garlic has a strong scent and will give your dish the best flavor. Avoid any that feel soft or sprouted. - Importance of extra virgin olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This oil should have a rich taste. It makes your pasta shine and adds depth to the dish. - Fresh vs. dried herbs: Always go for fresh parsley when you can. Fresh herbs have a bright, lively taste. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but they won't give you the same kick. Getting these ingredients right makes all the difference. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Lover's Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. Bring this water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Before draining, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and will help the sauce stick to the spaghetti. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil. It should warm up but not smoke. Once the oil is warm, add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes. Stir often until it turns golden brown. Watch closely because burnt garlic can ruin the dish. If it burns, you must start over. Now it's time to mix the pasta and sauce. Carefully add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Use tongs to toss it with the garlic oil. If the pasta looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. Do this slowly, a little at a time, until the sauce coats the spaghetti nicely. The pasta should glisten with the garlic oil. Enjoy the flavors coming together in this simple yet delicious dish. To get the best garlic flavor, start with fresh garlic. Slice it thin for even cooking. Avoid burnt garlic by cooking it slowly on medium heat. If it turns dark, it may taste bitter. You can also adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and add more if you like it hotter. Garnishing your dish makes it look great. Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top. You can add lemon zest for a pop of color and flavor. For sides, a simple green salad works well. A glass of crisp white wine pairs nicely, too. If your sauce is too oily, try adding more pasta water. This can help balance the oiliness. If your pasta gets sticky, toss it with a bit of olive oil while it's still warm. This keeps it separate and helps it stay saucy. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can add protein like shrimp or chicken for a hearty twist. Just cook the protein first, then mix it in with the pasta. This step makes the dish more filling. Another option is to add vegetables such as spinach or broccoli. These greens cook quickly and add great flavor and color. In Italy, every region has its own way to make Aglio e Olio. Some use more garlic, while others add more oil. In Naples, you might find it spicier, thanks to local chili peppers. Each area has unique ingredients that reflect its culture and traditions. This variety makes exploring Aglio e Olio an exciting culinary adventure. For those needing gluten-free options, there are great gluten-free spaghetti brands. They cook well and taste delicious. If you want a vegan dish, skip the cheese and use more veggies. You can also add tofu or chickpeas for protein. Adapting recipes lets everyone enjoy a tasty meal without losing flavor. After enjoying your spaghetti, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Your spaghetti will last for about three days in the fridge. To reheat spaghetti, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a little pasta water. This helps keep the flavor rich. Stir often to prevent sticking. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the pasta. If you want to freeze spaghetti, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for the pasta to expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of oil to keep it moist. Check the [Full Recipe] for more tips! Aglio e Olio means "garlic and oil" in Italian. This dish showcases these two main ingredients. The garlic is sliced and sautéed in olive oil. The result is a rich, fragrant sauce that coats the pasta. Yes, you can prep some parts ahead of time. Cook the spaghetti and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just combine and heat. This dish pairs well with simple side salads or crusty bread. You might enjoy a glass of white wine or sparkling water alongside it. These options enhance the meal without overpowering the flavors. For a complete guide on how to make this dish, check out the Garlic Lover's Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 🧄. In this post, we explored how to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. You learned about the key ingredients and tips to pick the freshest items. I detailed each cooking step and shared tips for perfecting the dish. We also discussed variations and how to store leftovers. Aglio e Olio is simple yet tasty. With practice, you will master it. Enjoy your cooking and share your results with others!](https://lushplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/d7cb6bd0-e382-4b0e-95b0-7323af4df5d1-300x300.webp)
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic Lover's Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with this simple and delicious recipe! This quick dish combines spaghetti with savory garlic, a kick of red pepper, and a hint of lemon, creating the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Discover how easy it is to elevate your pasta with fresh herbs and Parmesan. Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking a delightful meal tonight!