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To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, gather these simple ingredients: - 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt, to taste - Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese (optional) - Zest of 1 lime (optional) You can swap ingredients based on what you have: - Spaghetti: Use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or linguine. - Garlic: If you hate garlic, try shallots or skip it altogether. - Olive oil: Use a light oil like canola if you want a milder taste. - Red pepper flakes: No spice? Omit them or use black pepper for flavor. - Parsley: Basil or arugula works as a fresh herb substitute. - Lemon: Lime juice or zest can add a nice twist. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh garlic gives a strong, rich flavor. Fresh herbs add brightness. Good-quality olive oil enhances the dish's overall taste. When you use fresh items, you create a dish that shines. It’s not just food; it’s an experience. Always choose the best ingredients you can find. This choice elevates your meal and impresses your guests. Trust me, fresh is always best! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 400g of spaghetti. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is al dente. Before you drain, save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps later to mix everything well. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Pour in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic to the oil. Cook it gently for about 3-4 minutes. Stir it often. Watch the garlic closely. You want it to turn golden brown, not burnt. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin your dish. Now, the fun part! Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss the spaghetti gently. Make sure every strand gets coated with the garlic and oil. This step is key to flavor. To finish, sprinkle in the zest of 1 lemon and squeeze in the juice. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together. If the pasta looks dry, add some reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time. This will give it a nice shine and moisture. Finally, taste the pasta. Add salt to your liking. Toss one last time. Serve it hot and enjoy! To cook spaghetti just right, start with a big pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your spaghetti. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Before you drain it, save about one cup of the pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy later. Infusing flavor starts with the oil and garlic. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced garlic and stir it often. Cook until the garlic is golden brown. Don’t let it burn, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. After that, add red pepper flakes. This adds a nice heat to the dish. Stir for about 30 seconds to let the flavors mix well. Fresh herbs and cheese can take your dish to the next level. After combining the spaghetti with the garlic oil, add lemon zest and juice. This gives a fresh taste. Then, toss in some chopped parsley for a herbal punch. For the final touch, sprinkle freshly shaved Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a rich, creamy flavor. You can also add lime zest for a fun twist. Enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite! Pro Tips Quality Olive Oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It makes a significant difference in this simple dish. Garlic Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook the garlic. It should be golden and fragrant, not burnt, as burnt garlic can introduce bitterness. Adjusting Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with less if you’re unsure, as you can always add more. Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps bind the sauce to the spaghetti. Add it gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Chicken and shrimp both work well. For chicken, grill or sauté pieces before adding them to the pasta. For shrimp, cook them in the garlic oil until pink. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier. If you want a vegetarian take, consider adding seasonal veggies. Broccoli, spinach, or zucchini can fit nicely. Simply sauté the vegetables in the garlic oil before mixing in the spaghetti. This keeps the dish light and full of nutrients. Citrus adds a fresh twist to the dish. You can use lemon or lime zest to brighten the flavors. Just sprinkle it in when you toss the pasta. Nuts, like pine nuts or walnuts, can also bring a crunchy texture. Toast them lightly and mix them in for added depth. After enjoying your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, store the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Place the container in the fridge. The pasta stays good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use the microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water. Cover it to keep moisture in. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. In a skillet, add the pasta over low heat. Stir gently and add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Heat until warmed through. Freezing Spaghetti Aglio e Olio works well too. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the container with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to two months. To enjoy it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple Italian pasta dish. It features spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. The dish is quick to make and highlights bold flavors. You can add red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh parsley and lemon zest brighten the dish. This meal is popular for its ease and taste. To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio spicier, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add fresh chili peppers. Slice them thin and cook with the garlic. This gives the dish a nice kick. Just remember to taste as you go! Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Gluten-free pasta works well if you have a gluten allergy. Just cook them according to package instructions. The rest of the recipe will stay the same. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio pairs well with many side dishes. A simple green salad is a great choice. You can also serve garlic bread or crusty rolls. For protein, consider grilled chicken or shrimp. This adds heartiness to your meal. Enjoy the flavors together for a complete dining experience! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. We discussed ingredients, including substitutions, and the importance of freshness. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfecting your dish. We also covered tasty variations and the best ways to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is a joy. Experiment with flavors, and make this dish your own. Enjoy every bite.

Twisted Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

An elevated version of the classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a hint of citrus flair.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g spaghetti
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 zest lemon
  • 1 juice lemon
  • to taste salt
  • optional freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
  • optional zest lime

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and add the sliced garlic. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden brown and releases its fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Be cautious not to let it burn.
  • Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet with the garlic oil. Stir for about 30 seconds, allowing the heat from the flakes to infuse the oil.
  • Once the spaghetti is drained, immediately add it to the skillet with the garlic-infused oil. Toss it gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle in the lemon zest, drizzle the lemon juice, and add the chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly. If the pasta appears dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
  • Taste the pasta and season with salt as needed. Give everything a final toss to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
  • Plate the spaghetti immediately while it’s hot. If desired, garnish each serving with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese and an optional sprinkle of lime zest.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for heat preference. Optional lime zest adds a refreshing twist.
Keyword garlic, lemon, olive oil, parsley, spaghetti