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Quick Aglio e Olio Pasta Recipe Easy 15 Minute Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy aglio e olio pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring simple ingredients like spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili flakes for a subtle kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 grams) spaghetti
  • 4–5 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt, for pasta water and seasoning to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water to season the pasta as it cooks.
  2. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually 8–9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. While pasta cooks, prepare garlic-infused oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in 1/3 cup (80 ml) of extra virgin olive oil. Add 4–5 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Cook gently, stirring often, until garlic turns light golden and fragrant—about 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the garlic oil. Adjust quantity if you prefer more or less heat.
  5. Before draining, ladle out about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water and set aside.
  6. Drain the spaghetti using a colander, do not rinse.
  7. Immediately add the drained pasta to the garlic oil in the skillet. Toss with tongs to coat evenly. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach a silky consistency.
  8. Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley. Taste and add salt if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally sprinkling with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese and a drizzle of extra olive oil.

Notes

Cook garlic slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste. For gluten-free option, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta such as rice or chickpea pasta. Cheese is optional.

Nutrition

Keywords: aglio e olio, quick pasta, easy dinner, garlic pasta, olive oil pasta, 15 minute meal, weeknight dinner

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