Aglio Olio: The Art of Simple Garlic & Oil Pasta

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the sea; this is crucial for properly seasoning the pasta from the inside out.

   ~5 min

   Tip: Don't skimp on the salt! It's essential for flavor.
2. 2

   Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions for al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Al dente means "to the tooth," so the pasta should have a slight resistance when bitten.

   ~8 min

   Tip: Set a timer to avoid overcooking the pasta.
3. 3

   While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Low and slow is key here, as you want to gently infuse the oil with the garlic flavor without burning it.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Use a light-colored pan to better monitor the garlic's color.
4. 4

   Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

   ~3 min

   Tip: Keep a close eye on the garlic; it can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
5. 5

   Once the pasta is al dente, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. The starchy water is essential for creating a creamy sauce.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Use a heat-proof measuring cup to easily reserve the pasta water.
6. 6

   Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the garlic-infused oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Don't let the pasta sit for too long after draining, as it can become sticky.
7. 7

   Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Continue to toss the pasta, allowing the starchy water to emulsify with the oil, creating a light and creamy sauce.

   ~2 min

   Tip: The sauce should cling to the pasta, not be watery.
8. 8

   If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. The pasta should be glossy and well-coated.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Consistency is key; adjust the pasta water as needed.
9. 9

   Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that you already salted the pasta water, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

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   Tip: Freshly ground black pepper adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
10. 10

    Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

    ~1 min

    Tip: Reserve a little parsley for garnish.
11. 11

    Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and extra parsley. The dish is best enjoyed hot, when the flavors are at their peak.

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    Tip: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the flavor.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts