Authentic Neapolitan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

Updated at: 18/02/2025

Spaghetti aglio e olio – garlic and oil pasta – is a deceptively simple dish that, when executed perfectly, delivers an explosion of flavor. This classic of Neapolitan cuisine boasts a minimalist ingredient list, focusing on the quality of each component rather than elaborate techniques. The vibrant marriage of garlic, chili flakes, and extra virgin olive oil, perfectly coating strands of perfectly cooked spaghetti, creates a symphony of taste that’s both rustic and refined. Its simplicity belies a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more.

This seemingly straightforward recipe hinges on a few crucial techniques, ensuring the garlic is fragrant without burning and the pasta maintains its ideal texture. Ready to unlock the secrets to creating authentic, unforgettable Spaghetti Aglio e Olio? Let's dive into the step-by-step process, guiding you towards pasta perfection.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • Stainless steel pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Garlic peeler (optional)

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti: 300g
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 5-6 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 2 cloves (1 clove per person)
  • Parsley
  • Salt
  • Anchovies: Optional, 2
  • Chili flakes or fresh chili: Optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Cook Pasta

  • Finely chop the garlic. You can use a garlic peeler for easier preparation.
  • Chop parsley, including the stalks for added flavor. Set aside some leaves for garnish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8.5 minutes, or until al dente.
Finely chop the garlic. You can use a garlic peeler for easier preparation.Chop parsley, including the stalks for added flavor. Set aside some leaves for garnish.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8.5 minutes, or until al dente.
Prepare Ingredients & Cook Pasta

Step 2. Sauté Garlic & Herbs

  • Heat olive oil in a stainless steel pan over medium-low heat. Add the crushed garlic and parsley stalks; cook gently until fragrant and softened (3-4 minutes).
  • Add a bit of pasta water to prevent burning and create a creamy sauce.
Heat olive oil in a stainless steel pan over medium-low heat. Add the crushed garlic and parsley stalks; cook gently until fragrant and softened (3-4 minutes).Add a bit of pasta water to prevent burning and create a creamy sauce.
Sauté Garlic & Herbs

Step 3. Combine Pasta & Sauce

  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the garlic oil mixture. Continue to cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the chopped parsley leaves and chili flakes (if using).
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the garlic oil mixture. Continue to cook for another 30 seconds.Stir in the chopped parsley leaves and chili flakes (if using).
Combine Pasta & Sauce

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve immediately, creating a small 'volcano' shape in the center of the plate for aesthetic appeal.
Serve immediately, creating a small 'volcano' shape in the center of the plate for aesthetic appeal.
Serve

Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe

Tips

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is crucial.
  • Don't overcook the garlic, and use pasta water to create creaminess.
  • Optional additions: anchovies (melt into the oil), bread crumbs, lemon zest.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. What kind of olive oil should I use for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?

Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a strong, fruity flavor. The olive oil is a star ingredient, so don't skimp!

2. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Use low to medium heat and cook the garlic slowly. Remove it from the pan as soon as it's fragrant to avoid burning.


With its simple elegance and bold flavors, this Authentic Neapolitan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is a testament to the power of quality ingredients and precise technique. Mastering this dish unlocks a world of culinary possibilities, proving that sometimes, less is truly more. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound pasta prowess!