Step 3: Prepare the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly. Thin slices allow the garlic to infuse the oil evenly without burning.
Step 4: Gently Heat the Olive Oil
In a wide pan or skillet, pour in a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil and place it over low to medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and let it warm slowly.
The goal is to gently cook the garlic until it turns lightly golden and fragrant—not brown. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish.
Step 5: Add Chili Flakes (Optional)
If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in dried red chili flakes once the garlic becomes fragrant. Stir briefly to release their flavor into the oil.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the pan with the garlic-infused oil. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and continue tossing. The starchy water helps create a silky, light sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
Step 7: Adjust and Finish
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more pasta water if the dish looks dry. The final result should be glossy, aromatic, and evenly coated with oil—not greasy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and, if desired, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Why This Dish Works
Spaghetti aglio e olio is a perfect example of balance. The garlic adds warmth and depth, the olive oil provides richness, and the chili flakes offer gentle heat. Each ingredient supports the others without overpowering them, making every bite satisfying and comforting.
Final Thoughts
This classic Italian dish teaches an important lesson: great cooking isn’t always about complexity—it’s about technique and respect for ingredients. Once you master spaghetti aglio e olio, you’ll have a timeless recipe you can rely on anytime.
Simple, fast, and full of flavor, this is Italian cooking at its purest. 🍝
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