Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that is simple yet incredibly flavorful. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that highlights the natural flavors of garlic and olive oil. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal anytime.
While most of the ingredients for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio are common pantry staples, you may need to ensure you have extra virgin olive oil and red pepper flakes on hand. These ingredients are essential for achieving the authentic taste and heat of the dish. If you don't already have them, they can be easily found in the oil and spice sections of your local supermarket.

Ingredients For Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Spaghetti: The base of the dish, providing a neutral canvas for the flavors.
Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Extra virgin olive oil: The primary fat used, offering a rich and fruity taste.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat and spice to balance the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing garlic for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, slice it thinly and evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly. This prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked. Additionally, keep a close eye on the garlic as it sautés in the olive oil; it can go from golden to burnt very quickly. If the garlic starts to brown too fast, reduce the heat to maintain control over the cooking process.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine has a similar texture and shape, making it a good alternative for holding the sauce.
spaghetti - Substitute with zucchini noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles can mimic the texture of spaghetti while adding a fresh flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish if garlic is too strong.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it won't have the same texture.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for cooking.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and can be used as a substitute for its similar cooking properties.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar heat level, though it is more intense, so use sparingly.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with fresh chili: Fresh chili can add a similar heat and a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the spaghetti to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
- Transfer the spaghetti aglio e olio to an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The pasta can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing, place the cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The spaghetti aglio e olio can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat refrigerated spaghetti, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of olive oil or a few drops of water to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For reheating frozen spaghetti, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat using the microwave method or by sautéing in a pan with a bit of olive oil over medium heat until warmed through.
- If the pasta seems dry after reheating, drizzle with a bit more extra virgin olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a large pan over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is warm, add the leftover spaghetti.
- Toss the pasta gently to reheat evenly, adding a bit more olive oil if it seems dry.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the spaghetti is heated through.
- Optionally, add a touch more garlic and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pasta to keep it moist.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the spaghetti and check the temperature.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover spaghetti in an oven-safe dish.
- Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the spaghetti to crisp up slightly.
Boiling Water Method:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Place the leftover spaghetti in a colander.
- Dip the colander into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Remove and let it drain.
- Toss with a bit of olive oil before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to cook the spaghetti until al dente.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked spaghetti.
Large pan: Used to heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic and red pepper flakes in the pan.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the cooked spaghetti in the garlic oil to ensure even coating.
Chef's knife: Necessary for thinly slicing the garlic cloves.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the garlic.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the olive oil accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the red pepper flakes and salt.
Serving bowl: Perfect for presenting the finished dish.
Grater: If desired, used for grating parmesan cheese to top the dish.
Herb scissors: Handy for chopping parsley if you choose to garnish the dish.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-slice the garlic: Slice the garlic in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use pre-cooked pasta: Buy pre-cooked spaghetti from the store to save boiling time.
Heat oil while pasta cooks: Start heating the olive oil and garlic while the spaghetti is boiling.
Use a pasta pot with a strainer: This allows you to quickly drain the spaghetti without needing a separate colander.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until garlic is golden.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic oil. Season with salt.
- Serve immediately, topped with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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