If you love pasta but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Aglio e olio is the perfect dish for you. This classic Italian recipe uses just a few simple ingredients—garlic, olive oil, chilli flakes, and spaghetti—but delivers rich flavour in every bite. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about making authentic spaghetti aglio e olio, plus easy tips to make it even better.
What Is Aglio e Olio?
Aglio e olio is an Italian pasta dish that comes from Naples. The name literally means “garlic and oil.” As simple as it sounds, this dish is loved worldwide because it’s light, flavourful, and ready in under 20 minutes. It’s also a great vegan pasta recipe, since it uses no cream or cheese (unless you want to add some).
Ingredients You Need
You only need a few pantry staples for this garlic pasta recipe:
- Spaghetti
- Olive oil (extra virgin is best)
- Fresh garlic
- Red chilli flakes
- Salt
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
That’s it! Simple ingredients, amazing flavour.
How to Make Aglio e Olio – Step-by-Step
Here’s an easy, beginner-friendly way to make this classic dish at home.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil water with salt and cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente. Save a cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Oil
Heat olive oil in a pan. Add thinly sliced garlic and cook on low heat until it turns light golden. Do not brown it too much—it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Add Chilli Flakes
Stir in the red chilli flakes. This gives the pasta a warm, spicy kick.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Pour in a little pasta water to help the oil coat every strand.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Mix well, season with salt, and add fresh parsley on top. You can also sprinkle parmesan if you like.
Your spaghetti aglio e olio is ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pasta Recipe
- Requires minimal ingredients
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Budget-friendly
- Works perfectly as a quick dinner recipe
- Light, fresh, and authentic Italian pasta flavour
- Can be made vegan easily
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Slice the garlic thinly for the best texture and flavour.
- Use high-quality olive oil—it’s the hero of the dish.
- Don’t overcook the garlic; keep the heat low.
- Add some lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Mix in veggies or shrimp if you want a variation.
Final Thoughts
Aglio e olio is proof that the simplest recipes are sometimes the most delicious. With just garlic, oil, and pasta, you can create a restaurant-style Italian dish right at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this recipe is quick, easy, and always satisfying.
If you love Italian pasta dishes or want a no-fuss quick dinner recipe, this one should be on your weekly menu.