Aglio Olio Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat
- Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking gently for 3-4 minutes until garlic is golden
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil
- Toss pasta with the oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired
Special Notes
This classic Italian pasta dish is deceptively simple but incredibly flavorful. The key is to cook the garlic slowly over low heat to infuse the oil without burning it. The reserved pasta water helps create a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be easily customized with additional ingredients like anchovies or vegetables.