Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: A Simple Yet Delicious Italian Favorite
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, which means ‘spaghetti with garlic and oil’ in Italian, is a traditional dish from Naples, known for its simplicity and incredible flavor. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until it’s just golden, ensuring not to burn it.
- If you are using red pepper flakes, add them to the pan with the garlic and let them toast for a minute.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with garlic and oil. Toss it over the heat for a minute or two, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Remove from the heat, season with salt to taste, and add the chopped parsley, mixing well.
- Transfer to serving plates, and if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is best served immediately, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will surely please any palate.
Tips:
- Use the highest quality extra virgin olive oil you can find as its flavor is central to the dish.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, add more cloves to taste.
- Adding a bit of the pasta water helps the oil emulsify, resulting in a richer sauce.
- Be attentive when cooking the garlic to prevent it from burning, as it can become bitter.
Enjoy this classic Italian dish that is both easy to prepare and wonderfully delicious. Buon appetito!