Ina Garten’s Perfect Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

Spaghetti aglio e olio stands as a testament to Italian culinary simplicity, transforming everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece of comfort.

Minimal components blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich olive oil coats delicate pasta strands, while aromatic garlic infuses each bite with warmth and depth.

Subtle yet sophisticated, this dish represents the elegant essence of home cooking.

Mediterranean traditions shine through in its uncomplicated approach, celebrating pure ingredients and skillful preparation.

Careful technique elevates humble elements into something truly remarkable.

You’ll fall in love with its effortless charm and soul-satisfying taste: dive in!

Why Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Is Always the Answer

• Savor Authentic Italian Simplicity: This classic spaghetti aglio e olio captures the heart of traditional Italian cooking with just a handful of ingredients, proving that culinary magic happens with minimal components.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Whipped up in under 20 minutes, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Enjoy Perfectly Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of golden garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and salty Parmesan creates a harmonious blend of heat, brightness, and depth that dances across your taste buds.
• Experience Silky Sauce Perfection: The technique of reducing pasta water with olive oil creates a luxuriously smooth, clingy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti, ensuring maximum flavor in every single bite.

What You’ll Need for Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that forms the foundation of the dish, best when using high-quality durum wheat variety.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Fresh garlic provides sharp flavor, while red pepper flakes add subtle heat and complexity.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil creates rich base and authentic Mediterranean flavor.

• Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Fresh parsley adds brightness, while Parmesan cheese contributes nutty and salty notes.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season pasta water and final dish.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti following package instructions. Before draining, carefully set aside pasta water.

• Spaghetti
• Kosher salt
• Large pot of water

Step 2: Create Fragrant Garlic Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Gently slide sliced garlic into the pan. Watch garlic carefully, stirring frequently until edges turn soft golden. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and cook briefly.

• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Red pepper flakes

Step 3: Develop Silky Sauce

Pour reserved pasta water into the garlic mixture. Allow liquid to bubble and reduce by one-third. The sauce will become slightly thickened and glossy. Season with additional salt.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Flavor

Transfer cooked spaghetti directly into the garlic pan. Toss pasta thoroughly, ensuring each strand gets coated with the aromatic sauce. Remove from heat.

• Cooked spaghetti
• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Let pasta rest momentarily to absorb sauce’s rich flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Tips to Bring Out the Best in Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

• Elevate with Premium Oil: Select a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to transform this simple dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Master Garlic Slicing: Cut garlic into thin, uniform slices to ensure even cooking and prevent bitter, burnt edges.
• Watch Garlic Carefully: Golden-edged garlic signals perfect doneness; any darker and you'll lose its delicate, sweet essence.
• Pasta Water Magic: Capture starchy pasta water before draining—it's the secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti.
• Let Flavors Mingle: After mixing pasta with sauce, let the dish rest briefly off the heat, allowing the spaghetti to soak up all the garlicky, olive oil goodness.

How to Store Ina’s Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Without Losing Flavor

• Freeze Strategically: Portion leftover spaghetti into individual freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents. These pasta portions stay fresh for up to 2 months, offering quick meal solutions during busy weeks.
• Revive with Moisture: Splash a tablespoon of water or extra virgin olive oil when reheating to restore the pasta's original texture. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to distribute heat evenly. This technique prevents dryness and maintains the dish's delicate garlic and herb flavors.
• Quick Refrigeration Protocol: Allow spaghetti to cool completely at room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Transfer to an airtight container, pressing out excess air to minimize oxidation.

Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Variations That Add Extra Flair

• Seafood Fusion: Transform the classic dish by adding sautéed shrimp or tender scallops. Quickly cook seafood in the garlic oil before combining with pasta for a protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Herb Garden Edition: Enhance the original recipe by incorporating fresh basil, chives, and dill alongside the parsley. Chop the herbs finely and sprinkle generously for a vibrant, aromatic experience that elevates the simple spaghetti.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed zucchini, or wilted spinach to increase nutritional value. Roast vegetables separately and fold them into the pasta during the final tossing, creating a colorful and wholesome version of the classic recipe.
• Spicy Kick Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for a more intense heat profile. Experiment with different chili varieties like Calabrian chili paste or harissa to create a personalized spice level that matches your preference.

A Simple Goodbye to the Garlic-Kissed Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Culinary simplicity shines through Ina Garten’s spaghetti aglio e olio, revealing Mediterranean magic in mere minutes.

Italian comfort emerges from basic ingredients dancing together with unexpected elegance.

Garlic-infused olive oil creates liquid poetry across delicate pasta strands.

Classic techniques showcase how minimal components can generate maximum flavor complexity.

Quick preparation means gourmet results without complicated kitchen choreography.

With passion and precision, you can transport Italian countryside charm directly onto your dinner plate – ready to savor, share, snap a photo, tag #AglioEOlioAdventure, and inspire fellow kitchen explorers to embrace delicious simplicity.

Ina Garten Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Italian spaghetti aglio e olio delivers pure culinary elegance with minimal ingredients. Garlic-infused olive oil coats perfectly al dente pasta, creating a simple yet luxurious Roman-style dish you’ll savor with authentic Mediterranean comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Protein and Carbohydrates):

• 1 pound (454 grams) dried spaghetti, such as De Cecco
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 8 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup (20 grams) minced fresh parsley

Liquid and Fat:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) good olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously sized pot of water, incorporating of salt. Submerge spaghetti and cook according to package guidance until achieving an al dente texture. Extract and preserve 360 milliliters (1½ cups) of pasta water before draining.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce thinly sliced garlic, gently sautéing while continuously stirring until edges transform into a delicate golden hue. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and allow them to bloom for approximately 30 seconds.
3. Cautiously pour reserved pasta water into the aromatic garlic and oil mixture. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow liquid to condense by roughly one-third over 5 minutes, integrating of salt to enhance flavor complexity.
4. Transfer cooked spaghetti directly into the fragrant garlic sauce. Meticulously toss pasta, ensuring comprehensive and even coating. Temporarily remove pan from heat source.
5. Incorporate freshly chopped parsley and finely grated Parmesan cheese, gently folding to distribute ingredients uniformly. Allow pasta to rest for 5 minutes, enabling sauce absorption and flavor melding.
6. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning as necessary. Plate the spaghetti while maintaining warmth, accompanying with additional Parmesan cheese for individualized garnishing.

Notes

• Drizzle top-tier extra virgin olive oil for a luxurious, rich base that elevates every bite.
• Slice garlic with precision, creating uniform pieces that melt into the sauce without harsh burnt edges.
• Catch the pasta water’s magic before draining, saving that starchy liquid gold for sauce perfection.
• Rest your spaghetti briefly after mixing, letting each strand soak up the intense, garlic-infused flavors.
• Watch garlic closely during cooking, aiming for a gentle golden transformation that whispers delicate aromatics.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 389
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 229mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 11mg