Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsTonnarello | PagliaSpaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

Time20m
Serves4

Classic spaghetti with garlic and olive oil.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Sauce

Garnish

Method

Pasta Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook Spaghetti

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 400 grams of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Reserve Pasta Water

    Before draining the spaghetti, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This will help to emulsify the sauce.

  3. 3

    Drain Spaghetti

    Drain the spaghetti and set aside. Do not rinse, as you want to keep the starch that will help the sauce adhere.

Sauce Preparation

  1. 4

    Prepare Garlic

    While the pasta is cooking, peel and thinly slice 6 garlic cloves.

  2. 5

    Heat Olive Oil

    In a large skillet, heat 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  3. 6

    Add Red Pepper Flakes

    Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Combining Ingredients

  1. 7

    Combine Spaghetti and Sauce

    Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil mixture. Toss to combine.

  2. 8

    Add Reserved Pasta Water

    Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce, tossing to coat the spaghetti.

  3. 9

    Season

    Season with salt to taste and continue to toss until everything is well combined.

Garnishing

  1. 10

    Chop Parsley

    Chop the fresh parsley finely and sprinkle over the pasta.

  2. 11

    Serve

    Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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