Quick 15-Minute Aglio e Olio Pasta Recipe
A simple, quick, and authentic Italian pasta dish featuring garlic gently toasted in olive oil, tossed with spaghetti and fresh parsley. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using about 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of water and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of salt.
- Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-9 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup (60 ml) of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook gently for about 3-4 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant. Avoid burning.
- Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the starchy pasta water and set aside.
- Drain pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with garlic oil and toss well to coat all strands.
- Pour in the reserved 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water gradually while tossing until the sauce becomes silky and clings to the pasta, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Toast garlic gently over medium-low heat to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. Add parsley last to preserve its bright color and flavor. If sauce feels too oily, add more pasta water. For gluten-free option, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. For vegan option, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 1.8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
Keywords: Aglio e Olio, garlic pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, Italian pasta, olive oil pasta, 15-minute meal