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Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe with Garlic and Chili for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and simple Italian pasta dish featuring toasted garlic, chili flakes, and extra virgin olive oil, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces spaghetti (or linguine, fettuccine, bucatini)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (80 ml)
  • 6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to 4 quarts (4 liters) of water. Cook 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1/3 cup (80 ml) of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 3-5 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes to the garlic oil and stir for about 30 seconds to release the flavors.
  4. Once the pasta is done, reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic-chili oil. Toss to combine, gently coating every strand. If the pasta looks dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get a silky, glossy finish.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup (15 grams) of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately with an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Cook garlic slowly on medium-low heat to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. Adjust chili flakes to taste. Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor. Serve immediately for best taste; leftovers can be stored up to 2 days and reheated gently with olive oil or pasta water.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti aglio e olio, garlic pasta, chili pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, simple pasta dish

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