Apr 28, 2023 3 min read Pasta

Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Spaghetti aglio e olio is a classic pasta dish from Italy where the spaghetti is tossed in a simple and tasty garlic, chillis, parsley, and olive oil sauce.

We'll show you how to make this recipe to perfection in under 15 minutes and give you plenty of ideas on how to add your favorite veggies to turn it into a delicious family dinner.

Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

Aglio olio sauce

⅓ cup (70 grams) extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 small red chili finely chopped, or 1 - 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes. Adjust to your liking.
2 handfuls flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
1 pinch salt

For the pasta

12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
¾ gallon (3½ liters) water to cook the pasta
1½ tablespoons (21 grams) salt for the pasta water

Instructions

MAKE THE AGLIO E OLIO SAUCE

1. Finely chop garlic, parsley, and red chili.

2. Add extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet. Set the heat to low, then when the oil is warm, add the finely chopped garlic and chili.

Fry for 30 seconds, then turn the heat off and let fry gently with the pan's residual heat. Set aside and wait for the pasta to cook.

BOIL THE PASTA

3. Cook the pasta in boiling water per package instructions minus 1 minute. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

4. When the pasta is almost cooked, warm the sauce, then add the chopped parsley.

Move the pan around to disperse the parsley in the oil, and fry it for 15 to 30 seconds.

TOSS AND SERVE

5. Add the pasta to the pan with a ladleful of reserved pasta-cooking water and a pinch of salt.

6. Toss for a minute on medium heat, then when there's no more liquid in the pan and the pasta, you can serve it.

Storage

Make ahead: we don't recommend making this recipe ahead.
Refrigerator: you can store garlic and oil pasta in the fridge for 24 hours, although, like with most pasta dishes, it's best if you eat it straight away. Reheat in the microwave for a few minutes or on a pan with a dash of water and oil.
Freezer: not suitable for freezing.

Tips

HOW TO COOK PASTA?

You'll need a large pot of salted water as follows:

8 ounces of pasta (230 grams): cook pasta in 2 quarts of boiling water (8 cups or 2 Liters) with 1 tablespoon of salt (15 grams). Serves 2 - 3 people.
12 ounces of pasta (340 grams): cook pasta in 3 quarts of boiling water (12 cups or 3 Liters) with 1 ½ tablespoons of salt (21 grams). Serves 4 people.
1 pound of pasta (450 grams): cook pasta in 1 gallon of boiling water (16 cups or 4 Liters) with 2 tablespoons of salt (30 grams). Serves 5-6 people.

HOW MUCH PASTA PER PERSON?

Here's a simple summary: