Easy Garlic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

If you’re craving a simple yet outrageously delicious pasta dish, you’re going to love this Easy Garlic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe. It’s classic comfort food that comes together in no time with just a handful of ingredients — olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and spaghetti. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how something so straightforward could be so packed with flavor. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you end up with perfectly garlicky, silky spaghetti every time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Garlic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe works harmoniously to deliver a bright, garlicky flavor and luscious texture. Choosing the right olive oil and fresh garlic really ups the game, so keep that in mind when shopping.

• Spaghetti: Regular dried spaghetti works best; it cooks evenly and holds the sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil — it’s the backbone of the sauce, so flavor matters here.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves thinly sliced give this dish its signature aroma and boldness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds that subtle kick; start small and add more if you love spice!
• Optional Garnishes (Parsley & Parmesan): Fresh parsley brightens the dish, and Parmesan adds a creamy, salty finish.

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is—you can easily give it a spin and make it your own. Whether you’re in the mood for something milder or want to add protein, it’s all fair game.

• Add Protein: I sometimes toss in sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken to make it a heartier meal that my family adores.
• Herb Boost: Beyond parsley, I like to sprinkle fresh basil or oregano for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Vegan Swap: Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese to keep it vegan without sacrificing flavor.
• Extra Veggies: Roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach can add a fresh, colorful note that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Easy Garlic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Perfect Pasta

Fill a large stockpot with water and salt it generously — this is your chance to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook until it’s just shy of al dente — about one minute less than package instructions. I like undercooked pasta here because it’ll finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up all those garlicky oils perfectly.

Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic and Heat

About three minutes after you add the pasta, heat your olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently and let the garlic slowly turn a light golden color — this is where the magic happens. Be super careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the whole dish. If the pasta isn’t ready when the garlic is golden, just remove the pan from heat until it’s time.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Garlic Oil

Once the pasta is nearly done, use tongs to transfer it straight into the sauté pan along with ½ cup of the hot starchy pasta water. Toss the pasta continuously so every strand gets coated with that rich, garlicky oil. If it looks a bit dry, add up to ¼ cup more pasta water to get the sauce just right — silky but not soupy.

Step 4: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Quick taste test! Add a pinch of salt or a sprinkle more of red pepper flakes if you want a bit more seasoning or heat. Serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and if you like, some freshly grated Parmesan. My family goes crazy for this simple finish.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish – it adds a pop of color and brightness to the garlicky noodles. I also love a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese because it melts beautifully and adds a subtle salty finish. If you like a bit of tang, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving is fantastic too.

Side Dishes

I usually pair this with a simple mixed green salad and some crusty bread for sopping up any leftover oil. A light roasted vegetable, like asparagus or broccoli, compliments this dish nicely without overpowering the garlic flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like twirling the pasta into neat nests on each plate and placing a little parsley sprig on top. Drizzling a touch of extra virgin olive oil or finishing with thin lemon zest curls gives it an elegant touch that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before eating, I add a splash of olive oil to revive the sauce and toss it gently so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay but isn’t my first choice to freeze because the pasta can become a bit mushy. If you do freeze it, make sure it’s tightly sealed to avoid freezer burn and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a bit of olive oil or water, tossing until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but I find the pan method keeps the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it proves that with just a few simple ingredients, you can create something genuinely comforting and delicious. It’s my go-to when I want impressive flavor without fuss. Seriously, once you nail that golden garlicky oil and perfectly coated spaghetti, you’ll never go back to plain pasta. Give it a try — I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorite quick meals too!

Print