Ready for an easy pasta recipe you can make with pantry staples? Originating in Naples, spaghetti with garlic and olive oil is known in Italy as spaghetti aglio e olio (or aglio, olio e peperoncino if you include spicy red pepper flakes).
Like my quick tomato paste pasta sauce, it's a fantastic recipe to have in your back pocket when you're short on fresh ingredients and craving a flavorful, satisfying meal. Spaghetti is tossed with garlic-infused olive oil, creating a dish that comes together in the amount of time it takes to boil a pot of pasta. All you need is spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
Stay close to the stove when cooking the garlic. It takes less than a minute to saute in the olive oil, and you'll want to remove it from the heat right away so it doesn't burn.
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I am Italian and have been making this forever, just like this. It is my all time go to pasta dish. I was thrilled to see it here. Love your recipes!
- Diana
Please see the recipe card for the complete ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
How to make spaghetti with garlic and olive oil
- Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to the package directions. Once al dente, drain it and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- In a small pot, heat the olive oil with the garlic and chili pepper until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Pour the hot flavored oil over the spaghetti and toss well so each strand is coated.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.
Serving suggestions
Spaghetti with garlic and olive oil pairs well with a variety of salads, sides, and proteins. These are some of my favorites:
- A restaurant-style marinated artichoke salad and warm, crusty bread
- A side of Italian green beans with tomatoes and garlic
- A plant-based protein like rosemary and nutritional yeast tofu or seasoned oven roasted chickpeas
Round out your meal with one or two of these pairings for a satisfying, Italian-inspired dinner.
For another simple pasta made with garlic and olive oil, try my roasted Romanesco pasta when the unique green vegetable is in season.
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Love and Veggies,
Amy
📋 Recipe
Classic Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil (Ready in 15 Minutes!)
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 12-16 ounces spaghetti, (gluten-free, if necessary) or your favorite shape
- 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (optional)
- fresh parsley, chopped or torn, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water and the salt to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and transfer it to a large serving bowl.1 Tablespoon salt, 12-16 ounces spaghetti
- Heat the olive oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and crushed red chili flakes (if using). Quickly stir and remove from the heat when the garlic is fragrant and appears lightly browned. This should take less than a minute. Do not allow the garlic to burn.4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Pour the hot olive oil mixture over the pasta and use kitchen tongs to toss to coat the noodles.
- Top with chopped parsley leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.fresh parsley
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation.
Diana says
I am Italian and have been making this forever, just like this. It is my all time go to pasta dish. I was thrilled to see it here. Love your recipes!
Amy Katz says
Thank you so much, Diana!
diana says
This was so easy and so flavorful. Me, hubs, and toddler all loved it. This will be a definite repeat!
Amy says
I'm so glad everyone enjoyed it, Diana! 🙂