![To make a tasty Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you need these main ingredients: - 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt, to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped You can enhance your dish with some fun extras. Here are optional ingredients to consider: - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for creaminess) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for freshness) These additions can bring more flavor and texture to your meal. If you don’t have a key ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some good swaps: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. - Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a different taste. - Try shallots instead of garlic for a milder flavor. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I use about one tablespoon of salt for every four quarts of water. After it boils, add 400g of spaghetti. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes or until it is al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. Before you drain the spaghetti, save about 1 cup of pasta water. This water will help our sauce later. While the spaghetti cooks, grab a large pan. Heat ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Stir the garlic for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown. Watch closely! If it burns, it will taste bitter. Next, stir in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds to wake up those flavors. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Take the drained spaghetti and toss it into the pan with the garlic oil. Mix well so every strand is coated. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the liquid creates a light sauce. If it seems dry, add more pasta water. Finally, mix in ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Season with salt to taste. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can find the [Full Recipe] for all the steps and details you need! Start with a big pot of water. Add salt until it tastes like the sea. Bring the water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and stir to keep it from sticking. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to save a cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps your sauce stick. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add your sliced garlic and watch it closely. You want it golden brown, not dark. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. If the garlic burns, it will taste bitter. Don't rush this step; patience is key. Right before it gets too dark, add the red pepper flakes. This helps to bring out their flavor. If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. Start with a half teaspoon, then taste. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out. If you prefer less spice, cut back on the flakes. You can also add more lemon juice to balance the heat. This dish is all about your taste, so make it your own! For more great tips, don't forget to check out the Full Recipe! {{image_2}} You can easily add vegetables to your spaghetti. Consider including spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. They add color and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the garlic. This way, you get a tasty and healthy dish. You can switch up the sauce for more flavor. Try adding pesto, marinara, or even a light cream sauce. Each option gives a new taste to your meal. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite. To make this dish vegan, leave out cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast instead. For gluten-free spaghetti, choose gluten-free pasta brands. These small swaps let everyone enjoy this dish without missing out. Store leftover spaghetti Aglio e Olio in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing it. This will help keep the texture. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or water. Stir gently until warm. This helps keep the pasta moist. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze spaghetti Aglio e Olio, but with caution. The texture might change. Cool the pasta completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out air and seal tightly. It can last up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned earlier for the best taste. Aglio e Olio is Italian for garlic and oil. This dish highlights these two simple ingredients. It shows how basic flavors can create magic. For me, it’s all about fresh garlic and good olive oil. This combo brings a rich taste that’s hard to beat. Yes, you can add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty touch. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in with the spaghetti. This makes your meal even more filling and satisfying. To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio ahead of time, cook the spaghetti and garlic oil separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the garlic oil and toss in the spaghetti. Add fresh parsley and cheese right before serving for the best taste. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! You learned how to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio today. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best flavor. You saw ways to change the dish with veggies and sauces. Plus, we discussed storage, reheating, and FAQs. Now, it’s time to enjoy your meal! Experiment with variations to make it your own. Cooking should be fun, so get creative! Each bite of this dish is both simple and tasty. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://mysavedrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/e5d5c398-cb2d-40ed-af27-e9d5023f9e9b-150x150.webp)
- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Discover a delicious twist on classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio that will elevate your dinner game! This zesty recipe combines garlic, red pepper flakes, bright lemon, and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, it takes just 25 minutes to prepare.