Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

$- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) If you want to switch things up, consider these options: - Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead of olive oil. - Try shallots if you can’t find garlic. - Use fresh chili instead of red pepper flakes for more heat. Gather these tools before you start: - Large pot for boiling water - Skillet for making the garlic oil - Kitchen utensils like spaghetti tongs and a knife Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that shines. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. Enjoy cooking! 1. Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. This helps flavor the pasta. 2. Add 400g of spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. 3. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This water helps later. 1. In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it turns golden, about 2-3 minutes. 3. Once golden, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor. 1. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. 2. Pour in the reserved pasta water, starting with ½ cup. Toss well to coat the pasta. 3. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon to brighten the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. For the full recipe, check the section above. To make the best garlic oil, start by heating the olive oil over medium heat. Watch the garlic closely. If it burns, it turns bitter. You want it golden, not brown. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Once the garlic is golden, add red pepper flakes. The spice level is up to you. Start with one teaspoon. You can always add more later if you want more heat. For a beautiful plate, use shallow bowls. This helps show off the lovely colors. Add extra parsley on top for a pop of green. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side. This gives a fresh touch and makes it look fancy. As for sides, a simple green salad works well. Garlic bread is also a great choice! Serve your pasta hot for the best taste. Keep it warm by covering it with a lid. If you have leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. Avoid the microwave if you can. It can dry out the pasta. Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Aglio e Olio! {{image_2}} Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet delicious. It uses just garlic, olive oil, and pasta. This dish shines with few ingredients. You can serve it as is or add more. For a modern twist, try adding proteins like chicken or shrimp. These additions create a heartier meal. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can still enjoy this dish. Replace Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast works well for a cheesy flavor. You can also add extra vegetables for more taste. Sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes enhance the dish. Using fresh herbs makes this dish even better. Basil, parsley, or oregano add bright flavors. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables. In spring, try asparagus or peas for a fresh crunch. In summer, zucchini or bell peppers bring color and taste. Each season offers new options to make this dish exciting. For the full recipe, check out Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Zesty Twist. To keep your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This prevents bacteria growth. You can keep it for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade. When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. It can dry out the pasta. Instead, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water for moisture. Stir gently until warm. This keeps the dish tasty and fresh. Yes, you can freeze Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. However, the texture may change slightly. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. It will last for up to three months. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on low power. Stir well to restore some of the original texture. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Spaghetti Aglio e Olio comes from Italy. It first appeared in Naples. This dish is simple. It uses basic ingredients found in Italian homes. Garlic, olive oil, and pasta make it special. People made it for quick meals. The dish gained fame for its flavor and ease. Now, it is loved worldwide. The spice level depends on you. The red pepper flakes add heat. You can use one teaspoon for a mild kick. For more heat, add more flakes. If you prefer less spice, use less or none. Taste as you go. Adjust to fit your palate. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cook the spaghetti and garlic oil. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready, combine them. Heat gently before serving. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can also save some pasta water. It helps with moisture when reheating. Enjoy a quick meal anytime! In this article, I explored the tasty recipe for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. With simple techniques, you can make this classic dish shine. Remember to adjust spice levels to fit your taste. You can also add proteins or veggies to make it your own. Enjoy sharing this dish with friends and family. Cooking should be fun and rewarding!$

Discover the joy of cooking with this easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe! Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks, this classic Italian dish combines garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti for a flavor-packed meal ready in minutes. With simple ingredients and tips for variations, you can customize it to your taste.

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Ingredients

400g spaghetti

6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt, to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown, being careful not to burn it, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Red Pepper Flakes: Once the garlic is golden, add the red pepper flakes and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water (start with ½ cup and add more if needed for moisture). Toss well to coat the pasta with the garlic oil.

Season & Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and mix until everything is well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and toss once more. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with additional parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil for extra shine. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side for a vibrant touch.