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To make a great Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you need simple, quality ingredients. Here’s what I use: - 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt, to taste - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients create a dish full of flavor. The garlic gives the pasta its signature taste. The olive oil adds richness, while the red pepper flakes bring heat. You can adjust the recipe with a few optional ingredients. Here are some I love to add: - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Lemon juice (for extra brightness) Adding these can elevate the dish. Cheese adds creaminess, and lemon juice brightens the flavors even more. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio pairs well with several sides. Here are my top picks: - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables These sides balance the meal. A salad adds crunch, and garlic bread complements the pasta nicely. You can enjoy this dish with any of these options to complete your meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and tips. First, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt, to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Make sure to measure everything out. This will help you cook faster. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add the spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté it gently. Keep an eye on it! Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic turns golden and smells great. Be careful not to burn it. Next, stir in the red pepper flakes. This will add a nice kick to the oil. Cook for another 30 seconds to let the flavors blend. After the pasta is ready, reserve one cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti. Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Remove the skillet from heat. Now, stir in the fresh parsley, lemon zest, and salt. Mix everything well to make sure the flavors combine. To serve, place the spaghetti on plates. You can arrange it in a nest shape for a nice look. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top. If you want, add grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess. For a fun touch, garnish with more parsley and a lemon wedge. This makes the dish bright and inviting. Enjoy your savory spaghetti aglio e olio! To get the best garlic flavor, always use fresh garlic. Thinly slice the cloves to release their oils. Heat the olive oil gently before adding garlic. This helps the garlic cook evenly. Stir often to avoid burning. Cook until golden, not brown. A little patience makes a big difference. To cook al dente pasta, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the spaghetti. Follow the package instructions, but check a minute early. The pasta should be firm yet tender. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This water can help adjust the sauce later. For a beautiful presentation, twist the spaghetti into nests on the plate. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top. Add fresh parsley for color and flavor. A wedge of lemon adds a nice touch too. If you like cheese, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. It makes the dish look and taste even better. {{image_2}} You can easily add proteins to your spaghetti aglio e olio. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté the shrimp for a few minutes before adding the garlic. Chicken is another great choice. Use small pieces and cook them until they’re golden. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Press it to remove extra water, then cube and sauté until crispy. Each protein brings a unique twist to this classic dish. Making spaghetti aglio e olio vegetarian is simple. Just skip the cheese or use a vegan version. You can also add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added color and taste. If you want to make it vegan, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. This adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy. These options keep the dish light but full of flavor. Don't be afraid to have fun with flavors! Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can change the taste a lot. You can toss them in at the end for freshness. A bit of lemon juice enhances the dish too. For spice lovers, try adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika. Each adjustment can create a new favorite version of this dish. Experiment and find what you love best! For the full recipe, check out the details above. After enjoying your spaghetti, let the leftovers cool down. Place the spaghetti in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to leave some space in the container. The pasta will expand as it freezes. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. For best results, use the stove. Put the spaghetti in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil. Stir often to heat evenly. This helps keep the pasta moist and soft. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and add a little water. Heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. If you choose to freeze your spaghetti, follow these steps. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into containers or freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out the air before sealing. Label the bags with the date. Frozen spaghetti can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your easy and delicious spaghetti anytime! Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple Italian pasta dish. It uses just a few ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. The name means "spaghetti with garlic and oil" in Italian. This dish is quick to make, yet full of flavor. You can find it in many Italian restaurants. It’s popular because it’s easy and uses pantry staples. To avoid burning garlic, you need to watch it carefully. Start with medium heat when you cook the garlic in olive oil. Add the sliced garlic to the oil and stir often. Cook it for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. Remove it from the heat before it gets too dark. If you smell a strong burning scent, it’s too late. Remember, burnt garlic tastes bitter. Yes, you can customize Spaghetti Aglio e Olio easily. For a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes. You can add more garlic for a stronger flavor. If you like tang, add lemon zest or juice. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can bring in new flavors. You can also add protein like shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal. The choice is yours! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet delightful. You learned about key ingredients and optional extras for flavor. You discovered step-by-step instructions for perfect pasta and serving tips. I shared ways to enhance garlic flavor and ensure your pasta is al dente. You can also explore variations with proteins and herbs. Remember to store leftovers properly and keep meal quality high. Enjoy your cooking journey, and feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your taste!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Indulge in the rich flavors of Garlic-Lover's Spaghetti Aglio e Olio! This simple yet delicious recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with sautéed garlic, olive oil, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. In just 20 minutes, you can create a stunning dish that bursts with freshness from lemon zest and parsley. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta night!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon (for freshness)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently. Watch carefully and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant, but not burned.

      Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.

        Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the pasta if necessary.

          Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, lemon zest, and salt to taste until everything is thoroughly mixed.

            Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the spaghetti in a nest on a plate, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top, and garnish with additional parsley and a wedge of lemon for a vibrant touch.