Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic & Olive Oil Pasta)

Silky strands of spaghetti coated in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil with a gentle chilli warmth — classic Italian comfort made in minutes.

Ingredients

• 200g spaghetti
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional, but lovely)
• 30g finely grated Parmesan (optional)
• Salt and black pepper

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Boil the pasta

  Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil. Cook spaghetti until *just* al dente (usually 1 minute less than packet time). Reserve **1 cup** pasta cooking water, then drain.

• 2

  Step 2: Infuse the oil

  While the pasta cooks, warm olive oil in a large skillet over **medium-low heat**. Add sliced garlic and cook gently, stirring, until it turns **pale golden** and smells sweet and nutty, **2–4 minutes**. (Don’t let it brown — bitter garlic happens fast.)

• 3

  Step 3: Bloom the chilli

  Stir in chilli flakes for **30 seconds** until fragrant.

• 4

  Step 4: Emulsify the sauce

  Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well, then add **1/3 cup** reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for **30–60 seconds** until the oil and water turn **slightly creamy and glossy** and cling to the pasta. Add more pasta water a splash at a time if needed.

• 5

  Step 5: Finish & serve

  Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed (it may not need much). Toss through parsley. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan if using.

Tips

• **Garlic control:** Keep the heat medium-low; you want garlic **lightly golden**, not browned.
• **Sauce too oily?** You need more pasta water and more tossing — the starch is what makes it silky rather than greasy.
• **No Parmesan?** Still authentic and delicious without it; add extra black pepper and parsley for lift.
• **What to serve with it:** A simple green salad dressed with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper (or just crusty bread to mop the plate).

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)