Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe with Garlic and Parsley Perfect for Beginners
A quick and simple spaghetti aglio e olio with garlic and parsley that delivers comforting, garlicky flavor with minimal ingredients, perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti
- ½ cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (15 g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt (kosher salt recommended) for pasta water and seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and bring to a rolling boil (about 10 minutes). Add 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat ½ cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook gently, stirring often, until garlic turns golden and fragrant—about 4-5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Drain the spaghetti and immediately add it to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss well to coat every strand. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until silky and glossy (usually ¼ to ½ cup).
- Stir in ½ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss again to combine all flavors evenly.
- Plate the pasta and, if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, garnished with a few parsley leaves.
Notes
Toast garlic slowly over low heat to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and achieve silky texture. Stir continuously when combining pasta and garlic oil for even flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 1.8
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
Keywords: spaghetti aglio e olio, garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, parsley pasta, beginner recipe