Aglio e Olio Spaghetti Delight
Aglio e Olio isn't just a meal; it's an experience. This classic Italian dish, made with simple ingredients, celebrates the rich flavor of extra virgin olive oil and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or as an elegant dinner party dish, it can be ready in no time. Serve it with a refreshing tossed salad and some warm, crusty Italian bread for a complete dining experience. Your taste buds will thank you!
N/A
Servings
192
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (measured)
garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
salt
1 tablespoon (for boiling water)
dried spaghetti
1 lb (uncooked)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by filling a large pot with water and placing it over high heat. Cover to speed up the boiling process.
2
While waiting for the water to boil, combine the olive oil and minced garlic in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with waxed paper to prevent splattering.
3
Microwave the garlic and oil mixture on high for about 2 minutes, or until it starts to sizzle. Carefully remove it from the microwave and set aside to let the flavors meld.
4
Once the water is boiling, add in the tablespoon of salt followed by the dried spaghetti. Stir immediately to prevent sticking.
5
Cover the pot again and let it return to a boil. As soon as the water is boiling, uncover the pot and cook the spaghetti for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an al dente texture.
6
Before draining the spaghetti, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water to use for later. Drain the spaghetti and promptly return it to the pot.
7
Pour the garlic oil over the cooked spaghetti and toss thoroughly to ensure each strand is coated in the fragrant oil.
8
Incorporate the minced parsley and add some of the reserved cooking water to moisten the pasta, continuing to toss until everything is well combined.
9
Serve immediately, allowing diners to sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes to their preferred spice level.
10
For an extra touch, finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
14g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aglio e Olio Spaghetti Delight?
Aglio e Olio Spaghetti Delight is a classic Italian pasta dish that celebrates simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, dried spaghetti, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes.
How long does it take to cook the spaghetti?
The spaghetti should be cooked for about 10 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Aglio e Olio is a vegetarian pasta dish.
What type of olive oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
How do I prepare the garlic and oil mixture?
Combine the minced garlic and olive oil in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2 minutes until it sizzles.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?
Reserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking water helps moisten the pasta and create a better sauce consistency when tossed.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 192 calories per serving.
What kind of parsley is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of fresh minced flat-leaf parsley.
Are red pepper flakes required?
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be added to the finished dish according to your preferred spice level.
What should I serve with Aglio e Olio?
It is best served with a tossed salad and warm, crusty Italian bread.
How much salt is added to the boiling water?
Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the large pot of boiling water before adding the spaghetti.
How much fat is in this dish?
This dish contains 15g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in Aglio e Olio?
There are 4g of protein per serving in this recipe.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
The recipe contains 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 large garlic cloves, minced.
How do I prevent the garlic and oil from splattering in the microwave?
Cover the microwave-safe dish with waxed paper before heating the garlic and oil.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I add a finishing touch to the dish?
Yes, you can finish the dish with an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.
What is the primary flavor profile of Aglio e Olio?
The flavor profile centers on the richness of olive oil and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic.
How much spaghetti is used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of dried spaghetti.
When should I stir the spaghetti?
Stir the spaghetti immediately after adding it to the boiling water to prevent the strands from sticking.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is filling a large pot with water and placing it over high heat to boil.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
No, the nutritional information indicates that the recipe does not contain sugar.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
The recipe lists cholesterol as null, indicating it is likely cholesterol-free.
How do I ensure the pasta is evenly flavored?
Pour the garlic oil over the cooked spaghetti and toss thoroughly to coat each strand.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is an Italian cuisine pasta dish categorized as a vegetarian main or side.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh flat-leaf parsley for the best aromatic experience.
How do I know the garlic is ready in the microwave?
The garlic and oil mixture should start to sizzle, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
What should the texture of the pasta be?
The spaghetti should be cooked until it is al dente, meaning firm to the bite.