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To make a delicious Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 400g spaghetti - 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference) - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt, to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) These ingredients create a dish that’s both simple and full of flavor. The garlic and olive oil blend beautifully, while the lemon adds a refreshing zing. Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice preference. This recipe is not just quick to make; it’s also a great way to impress guests with minimal effort. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. Enjoy the cooking process! First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 400g of spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before you drain the spaghetti. Next, heat 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. It’s important to use good-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Add 5 cloves of thinly sliced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 2 minutes. You want it to turn golden brown, but not burnt. Be careful, as burnt garlic can make the dish taste bitter. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss the spaghetti to coat it evenly. If the pasta looks dry, gradually add some of that reserved pasta water. This will help create a silky sauce. Next, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and add the zest. Finally, mix in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything well and season with salt to taste. Enjoy this simple, flavorful dish! For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. To get the best garlic flavor, watch your heat. Use medium heat when you sauté garlic. This helps it cook evenly and turn golden. If you burn the garlic, it will taste bitter. Keep a close eye on it and stir often. For heat, adjust the red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more. If you prefer less heat, use fewer flakes. Start with half a teaspoon and taste as you go. Using reserved pasta water is key. After draining the spaghetti, save a cup of that starchy water. When you mix the pasta with the garlic oil, add small amounts of this water. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta. To balance the lemon flavor, add the zest first. This adds a bright touch. Then squeeze the lemon juice in. Taste your dish and adjust as needed. You want it fresh, not too sour. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Use lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. This adds color and makes it look fancy. When serving, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. This cheese gives a creamy finish. It also brings a rich flavor that pairs well with the garlic and lemon. Enjoy your beautiful plate of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can add sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes to your dish. This gives it bright colors and fresh flavors. The spinach adds a nice green touch. The tomatoes bring a sweet burst with each bite. To do this, sauté the vegetables before adding the garlic. They will cook quickly and add a healthy twist to your meal. Adding shrimp or chicken can make your spaghetti even better. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice seafood taste. Chicken adds heartiness and goes well with garlic flavors. Cook the shrimp or chicken first, then mix it with the spaghetti. This way, you get a complete meal in one dish. You can change the flavor by using fresh herbs like basil or oregano. Basil gives a sweet and aromatic touch. Oregano adds a warm and earthy flavor. Chop these herbs and toss them in before serving. This simple addition can elevate your dish and make it feel gourmet. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. It will stay good for up to three days. When you want to reheat, use a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Heat it over low heat, stirring gently. This method keeps the garlic flavor strong. If you want to freeze your spaghetti, use freezer-safe containers. Make sure they seal well. You can also use freezer bags. Just remove as much air as possible. When you are ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm it in a skillet. Add a bit of olive oil or pasta water to help. This keeps the meal tasty and fresh. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple Italian dish. It mainly uses spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. The name means "spaghetti with garlic and oil." This dish comes from Naples, Italy. It is a favorite among many for its bold flavor and ease of preparation. The key is to cook the garlic until golden, then mix it with pasta. This dish is perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio vegan! To do this, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This keeps the dish rich and tasty. You can also use a bit more olive oil to balance the flavors. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free spaghetti made from rice or corn. Cook it just like regular pasta. The method stays the same, and the flavors still shine through. Enjoy your gluten-free Spaghetti Aglio e Olio without worry! This post covered Spaghetti Aglio e Olio from start to finish. We explored key ingredients, simple steps, and useful tips. I shared ideas to add veggies or protein, plus ways to store extras. Remember, this dish is flexible. You can tweak flavors to fit your taste. Whether you're a novice or a pro, enjoy making this classic. It's all about good food and fun cooking!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Elevate your dinner with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Zesty Twist! This quick and delicious recipe combines garlic, lemon zest, and a hint of spice for an unforgettable flavor. Ideal for any weeknight or gathering, it’s easy to whip up and perfect for pasta lovers. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish will impress your family and friends. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt, to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: 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 pasta.

    Prepare the Garlic Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes or until the garlic turns golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

      Add Spice and Zest: Once the garlic is golden, add the red pepper flakes. Continue to sauté for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil with the flavor of the spices.

        Combine with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic oil, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If it appears dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

          Add Lemon and Parsley: Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the zest along with chopped parsley. Toss everything together thoroughly and season with salt to taste.

            Serve: Plate the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, and if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley on top to enhance the visual appeal. Enjoy immediately for the best taste!