Name: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1/2 small red chilli, finely chopped (optional); a small handful parsley, finely chopped

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Introduction

Spaghetti aglio e olio is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its simplicity and bold flavors. With just a few ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and chili, it comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something comforting yet light.

Two white plates each hold a single layer of cooked spaghetti pasta that is glossy with olive oil. The pasta is sprinkled with small pieces of red chili flakes and chopped green herbs, giving it a fresh look. One plate has a fork with a dark wooden handle placed on its edge. Next to the plates is a small bowl filled with grated white cheese and a small spoon. A glass with ice and water is also visible in the background. The scene is set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 small red chilli, finely chopped (optional)
A small handful parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pan of well-salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti for about 10 minutes, or until al dente—it should retain a little bite.
Step 2: When the pasta is nearly ready, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and chili, if using, and sizzle for 1 minute until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden but not brown. Avoid burning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Step 3: Drain the spaghetti and add it to the frying pan with the garlicky oil. Stir in the parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss everything together to combine well.
Step 4: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your simple yet flavorful pasta dish.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh parsley for a bright finish, or try basil for a different herbal note.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili or add red pepper flakes.
Be careful not to overcook the garlic—it should be golden and fragrant, never dark brown.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a little olive oil to restore the flavors and prevent sticking. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Two white plates each hold a loose swirl of yellow spaghetti with visible flecks of green herbs and small red chili pieces sprinkled on top, giving a simple and fresh look. The plate in the foreground has a silver fork with a black handle resting on its edge, pointing toward the top right. To the right, a small bowl with white grated cheese sits with a black spoon inside it, some cheese scattered around the bowl. Behind the plates, a clear glass of iced water sits with a few ice cubes visible inside. All items rest on a brown textured surface replaced with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley is preferred for its vibrant flavor and color, but if you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount and add it during cooking to help release its flavor.

What can I use instead of spaghetti?

You can substitute spaghetti with any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne if you prefer—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.