Pasta Aglio E Olio

Pasta Aglio E Olio is one of the simplest pastas you can make, giving you full flavor with just a handful of ingredients. This classic Italian dish pairs al dente spaghetti with garlicky oil, fresh tomatoes, and basil for a delicious dish that the whole family will love. 

Whether you’re looking for an easy pasta recipe for a busy weeknight or trying your hand at a traditional Italian dish, this spaghetti aglio e olio recipe has you covered.

This pasta originated in Naples, Italy, and we visited there two years ago on a wonderful trip.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples like dried spaghetti, olive oil, garlic cloves, and parmesan cheese.
• Quick cooking process: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Full flavor: The combination of garlic oil, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese creates a creamy coating on the pasta without heavy sauces.
• Versatile dish: Easily adjust the spice level with a pinch of red pepper flakes or add fresh parsley for extra brightness.
• Perfect for a busy weeknight: A quick and satisfying meal that’s as comforting as it is convenient.

This dish has just a few ingredients and is quick to make. It reminds me of being back in Italy, where the days were wonderful and the evenings were warm and blissful.

If you love simple pasta recipes like this one, try this elbow pasta with ground beef and this pasta with broccoli.

Ingredients for simple spaghetti aglio e olio

• Dry spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated parmesan cheese

How to make this classic Italian pasta dish

1. Cook spaghetti per package directions
2. Wash tomatoes and basil leaves, drain and chop tomatoes and pull off basil leaves
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over low heat
4. Add tomatoes, garlic, basil and red pepper flakes
5. Cook about 4-5 minutes
6. When pasta is al dente, drain.
7. Top with tomato and basil mixture
8. Top with grated parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Results

• Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water: Make sure the water has enough salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Aim for a rolling boil before adding the spaghetti.
• Use fresh garlic: Thinly slice the garlic cloves to prevent burnt garlic and achieve golden brown perfection.
• Reserve a little pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the simple sauce and create a silky texture.
• Cook the garlic over very low heat: This step infuses the olive oil with garlicky goodness while avoiding bitter flavors.
• Add the tomatoes last: They only need 1-2 minutes to soften and release their juices without becoming mushy.

Substitutions and Variations

• Extra virgin olive oil: Swap with a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil for a fresh twist.
• Parmesan cheese: For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast or omit it altogether.
• Fresh pastas: Replace dried spaghetti with angel hair or another strand of spaghetti for a different texture.
• Additions: Try chopped parsley, black pepper, or Caprese salad on the side for a complete Italian food experience.
• Spice: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your taste, or leave them out for a milder version of aglio e olio.

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FAQs About This Recipe

What to Make Next

When it comes to comforting pasta dishes, I’ve got some easy and delicious favorites that make weeknight dinners a breeze! My Easy Cavatappi Pasta is a simple, saucy meal that comes together quickly, while my Lazy Lasagna gives you all the cheesy, hearty layers with just 3 My Skillet Spaghetti and my Chicken Parmesan Pasta are also super easy Family Favorites.

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