Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Ingredients
- kosher salt
- 1 lbdried spaghetti
such as dececco
- ⅓ cgood olive oil
- 8 largegarlic cloves
cut into thin slivers
- ½ tspcrushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cminced fresh parsley
- 1 cfreshly grated parmesan cheese
plus extra for serving
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water before you drain the pasta.
- 2
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a pot large enough to hold the pasta, such as a 12-inch saute pan or a large, shallow pot. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it just begins to turn golden on the edges-don't overcook it! Add the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more. Carefully add the reserved pasta-cooking water to the garlic and oil and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about a third.
- 3
Add the drained pasta to the garlic sauce and toss. Off the heat, add the parsley and Parmesan and toss well. Allow the pasta to rest off the heat for 5 minutes for the sauce to be absorbed. Taste for seasoning and serve warm with extra Parmesan on the side.
Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
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About this Recipe
Craving a simple yet incredibly satisfying pasta dish that comes together quickly? This Spaghetti Aglio E Olio recipe delivers the authentic, aromatic flavors you desire, making a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful main dish for any occasion.
What makes this recipe special is its elegant simplicity. It relies on the quality of just a few key ingredients—good olive oil, abundant garlic, and fresh parsley—to create a profoundly flavorful experience. There's no need for complex techniques, just a careful hand and an appreciation for classic Italian flavors.
Prepare for a dish where every forkful of spaghetti is coated in a luscious, garlicky olive oil sauce, brightened by vibrant fresh parsley and a subtle kick from crushed red pepper flakes. The freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth that ties everything together. While seemingly straightforward, the balance of these ingredients creates a surprisingly rich and satisfying meal. This naturally vegetarian main dish proves that less truly can be more in the kitchen.
Want to make it your own? Feel free to adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes to your preference. If you're a true garlic lover, an extra clove or two of thinly slivered garlic will only enhance the experience. You can also experiment with different long pasta shapes, though traditional spaghetti provides the ideal surface for the delicate sauce.
Serve this classic Spaghetti Aglio E Olio immediately, perhaps with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the flavorful oil. Don't forget to offer extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who enjoy a little more cheesy goodness.