Easy spaghetti made with garlic and oil is so delicious yet unbelievably simple to prepare. You probably have these ingredients right in your pantry for this easy dinner. When you struggle for what to cook for dinner, this recipe is one that you can reach for often!
How to Make the Best Ever Italian Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil.
Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – Pasta with Garlic and Oil
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is an easy to prepare Italian pasta dish that consists of a few simple ingredients like olive oil, freshly chopped garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese all tossed with hot cooked pasta.
What’s also really nice about this dish is it’s inexpensive and easy on the food budget. Typically, you will have all the ingredients in your pantry to cook this delicious pasta recipe, and we all know that quick pasta recipes are nice to have in your meal plan rotation for nights when you don’t have time to cook.
Ingredients Needed:
- Thin spaghetti or Vermicelli pasta
- Olive oil – extra virgin olive oil
- Cloves of garlic
- Fresh parsley – we use Italian parsley
- Butter – salted butter
- Grated parmesan cheese – save money and grate your own
- Shredded Asiago cheese
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Make this simple garlic and oil pasta that is quick and delicious and easy on your food budget.
- 1 lb. thin spaghetti
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
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Heat 1/2 of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes careful not to burn. If using red pepper flakes, add at the end of the cooking time.
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Add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook gently for about 3 minutes.
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Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan and toss until pasta is well coated. Stir in a little salt & pepper, remaining oil, butter and Parmesan cheese, tossing again to combine.
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Serve with a little shredded Asiago cheese on top!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio or “Pasta with Garlic and Oil” is a delicious and filling dinner that can be on your table in about 20 minutes. We like to serve this pasta dish with a basic salad and garlic bread.
Just toss pasta right in the skillet with the garlic infused olive oil. Using reserved pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and add flavor. Add more oil and butter if desired.
Asiago cheese is not typical of a Spaghetti Aglio e Olio dish, but we love it. You can also top your pasta with freshly grated Ramona cheese or a fresh Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Don’t forget the red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations to this Recipe:
- Add sautéed shrimp
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over pasta
- Sauteed pancetta or bacon
- Sauteed vegetables with lemon – broccoli, red pepper, asparagus
- Baked asparagus, cut into small pieces
- Leftover chicken
- Sauteed green peas
Tips to Making Delicious Pasta
- Make sure to salt your pasta water and do a taste test to make sure you have added enough salt.
- Stir spaghetti as soon as you add it to the pan to prevent sticking.
- This recipe only has a few ingredients so use a quality olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
What to Serve with Pasta with Garlic and Oil?
Serve a healthy tossed salad with bread.
Easy Caeser Salad
Easy Lemon Chicken Piccata
Top with some Garlic Breadcrumbs for something different.
How to Make Yummy Breadcrumbs:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (we use jarred minced for this)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Melt butter and oil in your skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, careful not to burn. Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
Does This Spaghetti keep well for Leftovers?
Yes, this is an awesome dish to store for leftovers that can be eaten for another dinner or packed for lunch. Simply store in an airtight container for about 3- 4 days and easily reheat in the microwave or reheat in a skillet lightly coated with butter or olive oil.
You will Also Love some of our Favorite Pasta Recipes –
Spaghetti Bolognaise
Rigatoni al Forno
Pasta Fredda
