Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (25 Minutes)

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a classic Italian pasta dish that combines the simplicity of garlic-infused olive oil with a hint of spice. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Each strand of spaghetti is coated in a delectable blend of sautéed garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
  2. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 9-11 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until it turns golden and fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and sauté for an additional minute to infuse the oil with a subtle spiciness.
  6. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  7. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss it in the garlic-infused oil to coat evenly.
  8. Season the spaghetti with salt to taste and stir in the chopped parsley. If the dish seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to moisten it.

Notes

Do be careful not to let the garlic burn during the sautéing process, as it can turn bitter. Keep a close eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden. For added flavor, top your serving of spaghetti with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to complete the meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 530
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 33g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Pair this with...

Olive Oil Tomatoes

Grab a bunch of fresh cherry tomatoes, washing them and patting dry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the tomatoes with a generous glug of olive oil, ensuring each tomato is gleaming with a light coat. Now, mince up some garlic – a couple of cloves should do – and sprinkle it over the tomatoes. Choose your preferred herbs; rosemary and thyme work beautifully, but basil or oregano can be divine too. Roughly chop or tear your herbs and add them to the bowl. Season everything with salt and pepper and give it a good mix. Spread this vibrant mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly shriveled.

Garlic Breadsticks

To whip up a batch of garlic breadsticks, start with a basic dough mixture of flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth and let it rise until doubled. Once risen, divide the dough into even portions and roll each into the classic breadstick shape. Place them on a baking sheet with a little space in between. While they take a short rest, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, a touch of salt, and perhaps some chopped parsley for a fresh twist. Brush this delightful garlic butter mixture over the top of each breadstick. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden brown and emit that irresistible garlic aroma. Once out of the oven, give them another quick brush with the remaining garlic butter for good measure.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a fan favorite that brings out the vegetable's natural sweetness, complemented by a smoky char. Start by slicing your zucchini lengthwise into planks, not too thin to ensure they hold up on the grill. Lightly brush them with olive oil on both sides to keep them from sticking and to enhance that delicious grill flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and maybe a touch of pepper or your favorite herbs. Once your grill is nice and hot, lay those zucchini slices down and listen to that satisfying sizzle. Grill for a few minutes on each side until you've got those hallmark grill marks and the zucchini is tender with a slight crunch.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!