How to Cook Aglio e Olio Pasta
How to Cook Aglio e Olio Pasta
Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish, also known as spaghetti with garlic and oil. It is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious pasta:
Prepare the ingredients:
Gather 12 ounces of spaghetti (or any long pasta), ½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 6-8 garlic cloves (thinly sliced), ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt for boiling water, fresh parsley for garnish (optional), and grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
Boil the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Then, cook the spaghetti in the boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture (usually 8-10 minutes). Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
Prepare the Garlic Oil:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the oil. Sauté the garlic for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns lightly golden but not burnt. Be cautious as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, transfer it directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss the spaghetti in the oil to ensure it's evenly coated. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired sauce consistency.
Season and Serve:
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the Aglio e Olio pasta immediately while it's hot.
Tips for Enhancing the flavor:
Consider adding ingredients like lemon juice or zest, sautéed vegetables, or anchovies to elevate the taste profile. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Aglio e Olio highlights how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious meal. It is not only quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy your homemade spaghetti Aglio e Olio!
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