Oh my goodness, let me tell you about garlic noodles aglio e olio! This dish is the epitome of simplicity and flavor—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Seriously, all you need are a few pantry staples: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and some red chili flakes for a little kick. I remember the first time I made this for a cozy dinner at home; the aroma of sautéing garlic filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but feel like a true chef. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavors that dance on your tongue. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without all the fuss. Trust me, once you try these garlic noodles, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything we need for these fantastic garlic noodles aglio e olio. You’ll want:
- 200g spaghetti – This is the star of the show, so feel free to use your favorite type of pasta!
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced – The more garlic, the better, right? Make sure it’s paper-thin for that perfect infusion of flavor.
- 60ml olive oil – A good quality extra virgin olive oil really elevates the dish, trust me!
- 1 tsp red chili flakes – This adds a delightful kick! Adjust to your taste—don’t be shy!
- Salt – Just enough to season the pasta, so it doesn’t taste bland.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – This brings a pop of color and freshness, making the dish visually appealing!
How to Prepare Garlic Noodles Aglio E Olio Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making these heavenly garlic noodles aglio e olio! Each step is super simple, and I promise the end result is totally worth it.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
First things first, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Don’t forget to generously salt it—like the ocean! This is your chance to infuse flavor into the spaghetti. Bring the water to a rolling boil and then add your 200g of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. Keep an eye on it, and don’t forget to taste a strand towards the end!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Chili Flakes
While your pasta is cooking, let’s get that garlic party started! In a pan, heat 60ml of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the 5 cloves of thinly sliced garlic and 1 tsp of red chili flakes. Now, here’s the key: sauté until the garlic turns golden, but be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic is bitter and sad! This should take about 2-3 minutes, and the smell will be absolutely divine.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Once your spaghetti is cooked, drain it, but save a bit of that pasta water—just in case! Now, add the hot spaghetti straight into the pan with the sautéed garlic and chili flakes. Toss everything together, letting the pasta soak up that garlicky goodness. If it seems a bit dry, splash in a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water. Season generously with salt to taste—remember, a little goes a long way!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
To finish it off, grab some fresh parsley and chop it up for a lovely garnish. Sprinkle it over your beautifully plated garlic noodles aglio e olio, and voilà! You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad to round out the meal. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note—nutrition facts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are estimates. Typically, one serving of garlic noodles aglio e olio contains around 400 calories, 20g of fat, 10g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this delicious dish while keeping an eye on your nutritional needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Full of Flavor: The garlic and chili flakes create a deliciously aromatic dish.
- Healthy Option: With simple ingredients, it’s a wholesome choice for a satisfying meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or protein additions.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, it won’t break the bank!
Tips for Success
To make your garlic noodles aglio e olio truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the garlic; more is definitely more in this dish! If you like a bit of crunch, try adding some toasted breadcrumbs on top for texture. Also, feel free to adjust the red chili flakes to match your spice tolerance—start small and add more if you dare! Remember to keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing; it can go from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat. Lastly, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the flavors beautifully!
Variations of Garlic Noodles Aglio E Olio
If you want to mix things up a bit, there are so many fun variations to try with garlic noodles aglio e olio! For a fresh twist, add in some sautéed spinach or kale for a burst of color and nutrients. Want a protein boost? Toss in some shrimp or grilled chicken during the last minute of cooking. You can also experiment with different herbs, like basil or oregano, to give it an aromatic flair. Feeling adventurous? Try a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright citrus note or swap in some red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of your delicious garlic noodles aglio e olio (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), storing them is super easy! Just let the noodles cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, you can either pop them in the microwave for a quick fix or warm them gently in a pan over low heat. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to bring them back to life. Enjoy your garlicky goodness again!
Serving Suggestions
To make your garlic noodles aglio e olio even more delightful, consider serving it alongside a crisp, refreshing salad. A simple arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully! You could also pair it with some juicy grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. And don’t forget some crusty garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of that delicious garlicky oil—trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out our pasta category!
For tips on the health benefits of garlic, visit Healthline.
For more information on olive oil, check out Olive Oil Times.
Print
Garlic Noodles Aglio E Olio: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic noodles aglio e olio is a simple Italian pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes.
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 60ml olive oil
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and chili flakes, sauté until garlic is golden.
- Drain spaghetti and add to the pan.
- Toss to combine and season with salt.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: garlic noodles aglio e olio, spaghetti, Italian pasta