A quick pasta made with garlic, olive oil, chili, basil, and parmesan for a simple, fast meal with a clean garlic-forward finish.
Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
5 mins
Total time
10 mins
Servings
4
Chef's Tips
Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce if it feels dry.
Add lemon zest or juice at the end for a brighter finish.
Toast the garlic lightly and avoid letting it brown too far.
Tools Used
Cooking Pan
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Ingredients
Ingredients
Servings
4 servings1×
Scale
Ingredient amounts update instantly.
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- 1
Add the sliced garlic and olive oil to a pan before turning on the heat.
- 2
Warm over medium heat so the garlic infuses the oil without burning.
- 3
Add the chili flakes.
- 4
Toss in the cooked spaghetti until coated with the garlic oil.
- 5
Season with salt and black pepper.
- 6
Finish off the heat with basil and parmesan.
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Learn More
Everything you want to know about this recipe.
Aglio olio is one of those pasta dishes that feels simple but still depends on good timing. The garlic should soften and perfume the oil without turning bitter, the pasta only needs a brief toss in the pan, and the cheese and herbs are best added right at the end so everything stays light and glossy.
This version is useful when you need a fast meal that still feels complete. A small amount of chili gives it structure, but the dominant flavor is still the combination of garlic, olive oil, and pasta water coming together into a glossy coating.
Serve it as it is for a simple plate, or add protein and a green salad on the side if you want to turn it into a fuller dinner. Because the method is short, ingredient quality makes a noticeable difference here.
What Helps Aglio Olio Stay Glossy
What Helps Aglio Olio Stay Glossy
The sauce is really an emulsion, even if it looks minimal in the pan. A splash of pasta water helps the olive oil cling to the noodles instead of sliding to the bottom of the bowl, and stirring off the heat helps the parmesan melt in without clumping.
This is also one of the easiest pasta dishes to overdo. If the garlic browns too hard or the pasta sits in the pan too long, the flavor turns heavier and more bitter than it should. The finished dish is at its best when it still tastes bright and clean.
Serving And Variation Notes
Serving And Variation Notes
Aglio olio pairs well with grilled shrimp, roast chicken, sauteed greens, or a simple tomato salad if you want to build out the meal. You can also add lemon zest, parsley, or toasted breadcrumbs for more texture without changing the basic character of the dish.
If you are reheating leftovers, do it gently with a spoonful of water or olive oil. That brings back some of the gloss and keeps the noodles from feeling dry.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 100g
Calories 21011%
% Reference Intake*
Total Fat 10g14%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5mg
Sodium 200mg
Total Carbohydrates 25g10%
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 1g1%
Protein 5g10%
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?
Yes. Linguine, fettuccine, or other long pasta shapes work especially well with the garlic oil.
How do I stop the garlic from burning?
Start with a cold pan and warm the garlic gently in the oil rather than dropping it into very hot fat.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes. Skip the parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Is this pasta good for meal prep?
It is best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated with a splash of oil or pasta water.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Yes. Shrimp, chicken, or crispy pancetta all work well here.
Community Reviews
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Daniel H.
· 14 Jun 2025Perfect student meal-cheap, quick, and so tasty. Definitely keeping this in rotation.
Priya K.
· 6 Mar 2025First time making this dish and it turned out amazing. I sprinkled chili oil at the end for extra kick!
Allen C.
· 29 Sept 2024I used linguine instead and it still worked perfectly. Added mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Camille R.
· 29 Jul 2024Quick, delicious, and minimal ingredients-just what I needed. Definitely making again.
Brian T.
· 28 May 2024Loved how easy this was to follow. Great for weeknight dinners. I used a bit more chili flakes for extra heat!
Marco P.
· 27 Feb 2024Aglio olio is my go-to pasta dish and this version is so close to the one my Nonna makes. Grazie!
Sofia L.
· 26 Dec 2023So simple yet packed with flavor! I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it was divine.
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