Aglio e olio (garlic and oil)

Discover a classic and effortless Italian dish with our Aglio e Olio recipe. Made with just three simple ingredients—12 oz of pasta, 1/3 cup of olive oil, and 2 garlic cloves—this quick and delicious meal brings rich, savory flavors to your table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.

  • 21 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 12 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 3 Ingredients

Aglio e olio (garlic and oil)

Aglio e Olio, translating to 'Garlic and Oil', is a classic Italian pasta dish that is both simple and flavorful. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish showcases the magic of high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, Aglio e Olio is a delightful example of minimalism in Italian cuisine.

Ingredients:

12 oz pasta
340g
1/3 cup olive oil
80g
2 garlic cloves
6g

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Prepare the Garlic:
- While the pasta is cooking, thinly slice the garlic cloves.

3. Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic to the warm oil and cook, stirring frequently. Be cautious not to burn the garlic; you want it to be golden and fragrant, not brown (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan with the garlic and oil.
- Toss the pasta to coat evenly with the garlic and oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Seasoning and Serving:
- Season with salt to taste.
- Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Final Touches:
- Give everything a final toss to combine well.
- Serve immediately while hot.

Tips:

- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

- Slice the garlic thinly and cook it gently to avoid burning, which can make it bitter.

- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.

- Cook the pasta until it's just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot oil and garlic.

- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. You can add this starchy water to the skillet to help emulsify the oil and create a creamy sauce.

- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Aglio e Olio is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With just pasta, garlic, and olive oil, you can create a dish that is rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Quick to prepare and requiring minimal ingredients, this Italian classic is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Aglio e Olio!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size110 grams
Energy
Calories 320kcal16%
Protein
Protein 11g7%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 66g18%
Fiber 2.76g7%
Sugar 2.29g2%
Fat
Fat 22g25%
Saturated 3.01g10%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 0.00ug0%
Choline 13mg2%
Vitamin B1 0.76mg63%
Vitamin B2 0.34mg26%
Vitamin B3 6mg38%
Vitamin B6 0.14mg8%
Vitamin B9 200ug50%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 0.15mg0%
Vitamin E 0.09mg1%
Vitamin K 0.11ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 20mg2%
Copper, Cu 0.25mg28%
Iron, Fe 2.83mg26%
Magnesium, Mg 45mg11%
Phosphorus, P 160mg13%
Potassium, K 200mg6%
Selenium, Se 55ug98%
Sodium, Na 5mg0%
Zinc, Zn 1.22mg11%
Water
Water 9g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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