My family has begun referring to it as ‘Comfort in a Bowl’ since it’s always asked for at every gathering!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (garlic and oil) is a timeless Italian classic, revered for its elegant simplicity and robust flavors. This minimalist dish transforms humble ingredients – garlic, olive oil, and pasta – into a surprisingly satisfying and aromatic meal that’s quick to prepare and deeply delicious.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

For Garnish (Optional):

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 ounces (about 200g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (tender yet firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti.
2. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet (large enough to eventually hold all the pasta) over medium-low heat. Add the 4–6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté gently, stirring frequently, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). It’s crucial to watch the garlic carefully, as it can burn and turn bitter very quickly. If it starts to brown too fast, remove the skillet from the heat temporarily.
3. Add Spice and Flavor: Stir in the 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you prefer extra heat) and cook for another 30 seconds to release their aroma. If the skillet is too hot, remove it from the heat to prevent the garlic and pepper from burning.
4. Combine with Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil mixture. Toss everything together vigorously, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavorful oil. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time (start with ¼ cup and add more as needed), tossing constantly. This starchy water helps to emulsify the oil, creating a silky, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta immediately to individual serving plates or bowls. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest for an extra layer of freshness. Finish with an extra drizzle of good quality olive oil if desired, just before serving.