Table of Contents
Introduction
Pasta Aglio e Olio is a simple, comforting classic that proves great flavor doesn’t need a long ingredient list. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was late, I was hungry, and my pantry was nearly empty. All I had was spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. I hesitated but decided to give it a try. What came out of the pan was an aromatic, delicious plate of pasta that felt like a warm hug. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying but effortless. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. - Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid burning. - Add Heat:
Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds. - Toss the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the noodles in the garlicky oil. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. - Season and Garnish:
Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in fresh parsley, and finish with optional Parmesan and lemon zest. - Serve Hot:
Plate immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Garlic Watch: Keep a close eye on the garlic—it can go from golden to bitter in seconds.
- Customize It: Add sautéed mushrooms, shrimp, or spinach for variety.
- Pasta Water Magic: This starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to the pasta, making it silky and cohesive.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
This is just one example, if you want to vary your table every night, here we have 12 good lazy dinner