Spaghetti aglio e olio –Welcome to a delightful culinary experience with a classic Italian dish that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. This simple recipe combines the rich taste of garlic and the warmth of olive oil to create a dish that’s sure to please your palate. Let’s dive into the details!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This dish features just a few ingredients, allowing the essence of each to shine through while creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add in the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, stirring occasionally.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently until it turns golden brown. Be mindful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter!
- When the spaghetti is done, reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the frying pan with the garlic and oil.
- Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a saucy coating. The water helps to emulsify the oil and garlic, making the dish creamy without any cream!
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that if you’re using Parmesan later, it will add more saltiness.
- If desired, serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a side salad or bread!
This dish is not only fast and easy to make but also, it’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among pasta lovers everywhere!