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A close-up of freshly prepared Aglio e Olio with garlic and chili flakes.

Quick way to grow your Aglio e Olio in 5 steps

This recipe provides a simple and fast way to prepare Aglio e Olio, perfect for a quick meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 200 g Spaghetti
  • 4 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes or to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
For Serving (Optional)
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese grated
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
Aglio e Olio Sauce
  1. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and add sliced garlic. Sauté garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
Combine
  1. Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water, then add the spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic and oil mixture. Toss well to combine.
  2. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the spaghetti.
Finishing Touches
  1. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add anchovy paste to the garlic and oil mixture. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.