Why Make This Recipe
Making budget-friendly meals is a great way to save money while enjoying delicious food. These recipes not only taste good, but they are also simple to prepare. You can easily find the ingredients at your local grocery store. It’s a win-win situation!
How to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is golden but not burned.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat with the oil and garlic.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Serve Spaghetti Aglio e Olio in a large bowl or on individual plates. You can garnish it with extra parsley and cheese if you like. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
How to Store Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
To store leftovers, let the spaghetti cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Tips to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
- Make sure not to burn the garlic; it should be golden to get the best flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- To add more protein, consider adding cooked shrimp or chicken.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or linguine.
Q: Is this dish vegan?
A: Yes, if you skip the Parmesan cheese, it is completely vegan!
Q: How can I make this dish more filling?
A: You can add protein like chickpeas, shrimp, or chicken to make it more filling.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, perfect for a budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is golden but not burned.
- Toss the drained spaghetti in the skillet to coat with the oil and garlic.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, avoid burning the garlic and adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes. You can add protein or vegetables for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: spaghetti, aglio e olio, pasta, Italian, quick meals, vegetarian
