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Aglio E Olio

Aglio E Olio is a delightful Italian pasta dish that features garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil, making it a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights or a comforting treat anytime.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 500 g Spaghetti The ideal pasta choice, known for its ability to catch sauce perfectly.
  • 8 Cloves Garlic Aromatic and luscious; these cloves transform into a fragrant highlight when cooked.
  • 6 tbsp Olive Oil This staple provides a smooth and rich base for the sauce.
  • 2 tsp Chili Flakes Offering a fiery kick that balances the richness of the oil and garlic.
  • 1 Lemon Lemon Juicy and tangy, it brightens the dish with refreshing zest.
  • 100 g Parsley Fresh and vibrant, adding an aromatic touch to your pasta.
  • 8 tbsp Pasta Water Starching up the sauce creates a delightful creaminess.
  • Salt Enhancing flavors and balancing the dish.
  • Black Pepper Delivering a subtle heat to round out the taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water.
  2. Once boiling, add your spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. While the pasta cooks, grab a frying pan and pour in the olive oil. Heat it over low to medium heat.
  4. Finely slice the garlic, and add it to the pan along with the chili flakes. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning.
Cooking
  1. When the pasta has reached al dente perfection, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. Carefully drain the pasta (but don’t rinse). Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the garlic and oil mixture in the frying pan along with a pinch of salt.
  3. Gently simmer and stir together to create the sauce.
  4. Chop the fresh parsley, setting some aside for garnish. Add the drained spaghetti to the frying pan along with the parsley and the juice of one lemon.
  5. Season with additional salt, and toss all the ingredients together, creating an emulsion between the pasta water and olive oil.
Finishing Touches
  1. If the pasta appears too dry, add more reserved pasta water. Toss until well combined and glossy.
  2. Plate up your Aglio E Olio, and top with extra chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste. Keep a close eye on the garlic to prevent burning. You can add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for additional protein, and adjust the quantity of chili flakes based on heat preference.