Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Table of Contents
Craving Comfort? Try These Easy Spaghetti Recipes !
Ever get that feeling? You're knackered, tummy's rumbling, and only pasta dinners will do. Me too! Honestly, sometimes I just need something quick, satisfying, and without any fuss.
That's where this easy spaghetti aglio e olio recipe comes in.
Quick & Easy Garlic & Oil Pasta: The Perfect Weeknight Meal
This recipe is all about simplicity. It's a classic Italian dish that proves you don't need a million ingredients to create something amazing.
We're talking about spaghetti aglio e olio ingredients which is basically garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Originating from Naples, this humble dish highlights how delicious a few fresh ingredients can be.
It's one of those simple Italian pasta dishes you can whip up in under 20 minutes. This serves two hungry people perfectly.
Why You'll Love This Garlic and Oil Pasta Recipe
The best part? This is the kind of weeknight spaghetti dinners that feels special. Plus, olive oil can be part of healthy lifestyle, it's rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
It's ideal when you need a quick lunch, pasta dinner recipes , or a no-stress date night meal. And the heat from the red pepper flakes? Divine! It's also perfect for spaghetti recipes for beginners .
Honestly, even I struggled with the timing at first, almost burning the garlic, but you live and learn, right?
Let's gather your ingredients. And don't worry, even if you're a complete beginner, this is practically foolproof. I almost forgot! This will also work as the base for easy casserole recipes .
It's that versatile.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Ever Aglio e Olio
So, you wanna make some seriously delicious easy spaghetti recipes ? Ace! Let's talk about what you'll need. Honestly, this garlic and oil pasta recipe is all about the quality of your ingredients.
You can whip up some amazing pasta dinners with it.
Main Players: Ingredients Demystified
Here's what you'll need for the easy spaghetti aglio e olio recipe :
- Spaghetti: 8 ounces (225g) . Trust me, use good quality spaghetti. It makes a difference.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Go for the good stuff! Since the oil is a key flavour, splurge a little.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , thinly sliced. Fresh is always best. If your garlic is sprouting green bits, toss it!
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more if you're feeling brave!). I like a little kick in my quick spaghetti recipes .
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) , chopped. Flat leaf (Italian) parsley is the way to go.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy with the salt when cooking the pasta!
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons (30g) , grated (optional, but HIGHLY recommended).
- Pasta Water: 1/4 cup(60ml) , reserved. This is the secret weapon for a glossy sauce.
When it comes to spaghetti aglio e olio ingredients , Freshness is your friend. Seriously.
Seasoning Secrets: Spice Up Your Life (Literally)
Forget boring weeknight spaghetti dinners ! We're levelling up.
- The Dynamic Duo: Garlic and red pepper flakes are a classic combo. It's simple, but effective.
- Flavor Boosters: A pinch of dried oregano is surprisingly nice with this dish.
- Substitutions: No parsley? Basil works too.
Garlic and oil pasta recipe isn't the same without a touch of heat, but if you don't do spice, feel free to reduce it or omit it altogether!.
Equipment Essentials: Keep It Simple, Silly!
No need for fancy gadgets here! These are the only tools needed for our simple Italian pasta dishes :
- Large Pot: For cooking the spaghetti.
- Large Skillet: For sautéing the garlic and tossing everything together.
- Tongs: Essential for grabbing and tossing the spaghetti.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
Honestly, that's it. No fancy stuff required for these spaghetti recipes for beginners . If you don't have tongs, forks work in a pinch.
And for the easy casserole recipes , you might need to get out a pot but nothing too fancy is needed
Making Pasta Dinner Recipes is a lot easier than you think, especially with a recipe this simple and delicious!. Now let's get cooking!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: The Easiest (and Tastiest!) Garlic & Oil Pasta
Oh my gosh, you guys! If you're after easy spaghetti recipes that actually deliver, look no further. Forget fancy Pasta Dinners ; this is a classic Garlic and oil pasta recipe, straight from Naples, that'll rock your world.
Seriously, this weeknight spaghetti dinners recipe is ready faster than you can say "spaghetti aglio e olio ingredients"! This Spaghetti aglio e olio recipe is even quicker than ordering in a takeaway.
It's simple Italian pasta dishes at its finest.
Prep Like a Pro
Mise en place, darling! It's chef talk for getting everything ready. Thinly slice 4 cloves of garlic and chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
Measure out 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and have that 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes at the ready.
Organisation is key, especially when you're craving quick spaghetti recipes!
step-by-step Garlic & Oil Goodness
- Cook 8 ounces of spaghetti. In salted boiling water until al dente . Save 1/4 cup of the pasta water!
- Sauté the garlic. Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2- 3 minutes until golden. Don't burn it. Honestly, burnt garlic is the worst.
- Combine! Add the spaghetti to the pan. Toss with the garlic and oil. Add reserved pasta water for a light sauce.
- Season. Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Finish! Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection
Want to take your Pasta Dinner Recipes to the next level? Here's the lowdown. The pasta water is your secret weapon.
It helps the sauce cling. Don't skip it!. Avoid this common mistake: burning the garlic! Low and slow is the motto.
Thinking of a make-ahead option? You can prep the garlic and parsley in advance to easily have weeknight spaghetti dinners.
This easy casserole recipes version can make an easy spaghetti aglio e olio recipe version to impress any date.
Recipe Notes for Killer Garlic & Oil Pasta
So, you’re ready to tackle this easy spaghetti aglio e olio recipe , eh? Great choice! It's become one of my go-to quick spaghetti recipes .
Think of it as your secret weapon for weeknight spaghetti dinners . Honestly, I even impressed my mum with it, and that’s saying something! Before you dive in to one of those amazing Pasta Dinner Recipes , let's chat about a few things to ensure your garlic and oil pasta recipe turns out perfectly.
Serving Like a Pro
Right, presentation matters! For plating, twirl the spaghetti into a nest. Then, sprinkle with extra parsley. I also like to add an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Classy, right? This also works fine for other simple Italian pasta dishes .
As for sides, a simple green salad is perfect. It cuts through the richness. And don’t forget some crusty bread. Perfect for soaking up that amazing garlic oil. Trust me.
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), pop them in an airtight container. They'll be good in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating is easy. Just microwave it or toss it in a pan with a little extra olive oil. The texture isn't quite as good as freshly made, but it's still delicious.
Freezing isn't really recommended, but if you must, know that the pasta will probably get a bit mushy. But you can just use the recipe for a new cooking with fresh pasta!
Remixing the Classics: Variations
Want to mix things up? Try adding some sautéed shrimp or chicken. Or how about a squeeze of lemon for extra zing? If you're going veggie, just skip the parmesan! You can try other types of easy casserole recipes later.
For a seasonal twist, add some roasted vegetables like courgette in the summer or butternut squash in the autumn.
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, so this isn't exactly a health food, let's be real. But it's not terrible either! You're looking at roughly 450 calories per serving.
Plus, you get some healthy fats from the olive oil. Did you know that garlic is actually good for you? It's got all sorts of healthy compounds.
So, enjoy your Pasta Dinners without too much guilt!
See? Totally doable and really quick. Once you master these easy spaghetti recipes , you'll be making pasta dinners like a pro. Now go on, get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really one of the easy spaghetti recipes? It sounds a bit fancy!
Absolutely! Spaghetti Aglio e Olio might sound sophisticated, but it's surprisingly straightforward. The beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the quick cooking time. Think of it as a posh version of pasta with garlic, even a novice cook can master this easy spaghetti recipe!
Help! My garlic always burns when I make this. What am I doing wrong?
Burnt garlic is a common pitfall, but easily avoided! The key is to use medium low heat and watch the garlic like a hawk. You want it to be fragrant and lightly golden, not brown or black. If it starts to sizzle too aggressively, remove the pan from the heat for a few seconds.
Can I add anything else to these easy spaghetti recipes to make it a bit more substantial?
Definitely! Feel free to jazz it up a bit. Sautéed shrimp, chicken, or crispy pancetta would be delicious additions. You could also toss in some vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up, too!
What's the deal with the pasta water? Do I really need to save it?
Yes, don't skip the pasta water! It's liquid gold. The starch in the water helps emulsify the olive oil and garlic, creating a creamy sauce that clings to the spaghetti. It's the secret ingredient that elevates this dish from good to fantastic trust me, it's better than getting caught with soggy bottoms on the great british bake off!
How long will leftover Spaghetti Aglio e Olio last, and how should I store it?
Leftovers are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Bear in mind that, like a good cup of tea, it is always best when its fresh!
Is this dish healthy? What's the nutritional breakdown?
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio can be part of a balanced diet, but it's relatively high in carbohydrates and fat. A serving has roughly 450 calories, 15g protein, 20g fat, and 55g carbohydrates. Consider adding more vegetables or lean protein to increase the nutritional value.
The most important thing to remember, is always use everything in moderation.
Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |