Spaghetti aglio e olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that is loved by people all over the world. This simple yet flavorful recipe features spaghetti noodles tossed in a rich and aromatic sauce made with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The dish is then garnished with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re a fan of pasta, this recipe is a must-try!
Spaghetti aglio e olio with a twist
If you’re looking to take your spaghetti aglio e olio to the next level, try adding some peperoncino. Peperoncino is a type of Italian hot chili pepper that adds a spicy kick to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the garlic and olive oil, giving the pasta a delicious heat that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the spaghetti aglio e olio:
- 400g spaghetti
- 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it with the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved cooking water to moisten it.
Step 3: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the spaghetti aglio e olio to serving plates and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling over the pasta. Enjoy it while it’s hot!
How to prepare:
To prepare this delicious spaghetti aglio e olio, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until the garlic turns golden brown and becomes fragrant.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss the pasta in the flavorful olive oil sauce, making sure it is well-coated.
If the pasta seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved cooking water to moisten it. This will help the sauce adhere to the spaghetti and give it a silky texture.
Finally, transfer the spaghetti aglio e olio to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the dish with grated Parmesan cheese on the side, allowing your guests to sprinkle as much or as little as they desire.
Preparation time:
The preparation time for this spaghetti aglio e olio recipe is approximately 15 minutes. It is a quick and easy dish that can be prepared in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a simple yet satisfying meal.
Servings:
This recipe yields about 4 servings of spaghetti aglio e olio. However, you can easily adjust the quantities to make more or less depending on your needs.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutrition facts for this spaghetti aglio e olio recipe may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. However, as a general estimate, each serving of this delicious pasta dish is typically around:
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 55-60g
- Fiber: 2-4g
Tips:
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect spaghetti aglio e olio:
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Extra-virgin olive oil works exceptionally well in this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference for spiciness. You can add more if you like it extra hot or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when cooking it in the olive oil. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the taste of the dish.
FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about spaghetti aglio e olio:
- Can I add other ingredients to this dish? Absolutely! While the classic version of spaghetti aglio e olio is made with just garlic and olive oil, you can customize it to suit your taste. Some popular additions include shrimp, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even spinach.
- What type of pasta should I use? Spaghetti is traditionally used in this dish, but you can also use other types of long pasta like linguine or fettuccine.
- Is this dish vegan-friendly? Yes, spaghetti aglio e olio is naturally vegan as it does not contain any animal products. Just make sure to use a vegan-friendly brand of Parmesan cheese or omit it altogether.
So there you have it – a delicious recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio that will surely impress your family and friends. With its simple yet bold flavors, this dish is a true classic in Italian cuisine. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Italy right in your own home!
