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Easy 25-Minute Garlic Pasta Recipe (Aglio e Olio)

Easy 25-Minute Garlic Pasta Recipe (Aglio e Olio)

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5 from 2 reviews

Learn how to make the classic Italian Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with this easy 25-minute recipe. It's a simple, flavorful, and delicious garlic pasta that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
  • Sea salt, for pasta water and seasoning
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 large cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup Trader Joe's Toscano Cheese with Black Pepper (rennet-free) or Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it's al dente (still firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic, a pinch of sea salt, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, or until the garlic is softened and just turns a light golden or honey-hued color. Immediately remove the skillet from the heat to prevent burning.
  3. Combine & Create the Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti, cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything well to coat the pasta. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, continuously stirring until the noodles are thickly coated in a creamy, luscious sauce.
  4. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your flavorful garlic pasta right away!

Notes

Recipe adapted by The New Essentials Cookbook: A Modern Guide to Better Cooking