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.
- 01 Apr 2025
- Cook time 12 min
- Prep time 15 min
- 4 Servings
- 3 Ingredients
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:
Instructions:
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Size | 110 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 320kcal | 16% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 11g | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 66g | 18% |
| Fiber 2.76g | 7% |
| Sugar 2.29g | 2% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 22g | 25% |
| Saturated 3.01g | 10% |
| Cholesterol 0.00mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 0.00ug | 0% |
| Choline 13mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B1 0.76mg | 63% |
| Vitamin B2 0.34mg | 26% |
| Vitamin B3 6mg | 38% |
| Vitamin B6 0.14mg | 8% |
| Vitamin B9 200ug | 50% |
| Vitamin B12 0.00ug | 0% |
| Vitamin C 0.15mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E 0.09mg | 1% |
| Vitamin K 0.11ug | 0% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 20mg | 2% |
| Copper, Cu 0.25mg | 28% |
| Iron, Fe 2.83mg | 26% |
| Magnesium, Mg 45mg | 11% |
| Phosphorus, P 160mg | 13% |
| Potassium, K 200mg | 6% |
| Selenium, Se 55ug | 98% |
| Sodium, Na 5mg | 0% |
| Zinc, Zn 1.22mg | 11% |
| 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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