Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, or Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil, is a pasta dish that hails from Italy.

This simple yet flavorful dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen but still want to enjoy a delicious meal. Here is the recipe for this classic Italian dish.

: Ingredients

The following ingredients will make enough Spaghetti Aglio e Olio to serve 4 people.

1 pound spaghetti
1/2 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

: Directions

1. Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

2. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant.

4. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds.

5. When the spaghetti is cooked, remove it from the pot using tongs and add it to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Reserve some pasta water.

6. Toss the spaghetti with the garlic and oil until well coated. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water if the spaghetti seems too dry.

7. Season the spaghetti with salt and pepper, to taste.

8. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the spaghetti.

9. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley.

10. Serve the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio immediately, while it’s still hot.

: Notes

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a very flexible recipe. You can add a variety of ingredients to the dish to suit your taste preferences.

For example, you could add some cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to the skillet with the garlic and oil. You could also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, for a pop of fresh flavor.

: Conclusion

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that can be made in just 20-30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, when you want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.