Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Pasta in Garlic and Oil Sauce) Recipe
[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]
One of the most basic pasta sauces, aglio e olio uses just garlic and olive oil (and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat). It sounds too simple to be good, but it's among the best.
[Video: The Serious Eats Team. Photographs: Vicky Wasik]
Why It Works
- Adding starchy pasta water to the skillet with the garlic and oil helps emulsify the sauce to create a creamier, less oily texture.
- Gently cooking the garlic in the oil infuses this incredibly easy sauce with flavor.
Read more: Aglio e Olio: The One Pasta Sauce You Absolutely Must Know
- Yield:Serves 4
- Active time: 10 minutes
- Total time:10 minutes
- Rated:
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 1 pound (450g) dried spaghetti
- 1/2 cup (120ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Minced flat-leaf parsley, for serving (optional)
Directions
-
1.
In a pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the package directs). Reserve pasta cooking water.
-
2.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine 6 tablespoons oil and garlic. Add pinch of red pepper flakes, if using. Cook over medium heat until garlic is very lightly golden, about 5 minutes. (Adjust heat as necessary to keep it gently sizzling.)
-
3.
Transfer pasta to skillet along with 1/2 cup pasta water, increase heat to high, and cook, stirring and tossing rapidly, until a creamy, emulsified sauce forms and coats the noodles. Remove from heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and stir well to combine. Mix in parsley, if using, and serve right away.
This Recipe Appears In
Aglio e Olio: The One Pasta Sauce You Absolutely Must KnowThis post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Serious Eats. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.
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