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.
Cook time 12 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
12 oz pasta1/3 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves
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.
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 per serving
4 ServingsCalories 320kcal
Protein 11g
Carbohydrates 66g
Fiber 2.76g
Sugar 2.29g
Fat 22g
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