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- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese To make spaghetti aglio e olio, you need simple yet fresh ingredients. Start with spaghetti, the base of the dish. I love using 400g for four servings. Next, garlic is key. Six cloves, sliced thin, add great flavor. Extra-virgin olive oil is next. A half cup gives richness and helps the garlic cook. For flavor, I always add red pepper flakes. Just a teaspoon will do, but you can add more if you like heat. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Use a quarter cup, chopped fine. Finally, lemon zest and juice brighten the dish. Salt is a must, but add it to your taste. Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but delicious on top. This list of ingredients is just the start. You can always change and add what you like! For the full recipe, check out the details on how to cook this dish perfectly. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 400g of spaghetti and cook until it's al dente. This means it should be firm yet tender. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package for exact times. When the pasta is ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining it. This water helps make the sauce later. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for about 2-3 minutes. Watch the garlic closely; it should turn golden and fragrant. If it burns, it will taste bitter, ruining the dish. Now, it’s time to mix everything! Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss the pasta well to coat it in the oil. If the spaghetti looks dry, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Next, stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon along with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything well to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Season with salt to taste. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. To get the best garlic flavor, control your heat. Keep it medium. This way, the garlic will get golden without burning. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Fresh ingredients matter too. Use good quality garlic and olive oil. Fresh herbs boost the taste and make your meal special. Want to change the spice? Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can add more if you like it hot. If you want more flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or oregano can add a nice twist. It’s fun to mix flavors until you find your favorite. For serving, warm your bowls first. This keeps the pasta hot longer. A simple garnish adds flair. Use lemon wedges and extra parsley for color. A drizzle of olive oil also makes it look nice. Presentation is key to enjoying your meal. Try these tips, and your spaghetti will shine! You can find the [Full Recipe](#) to help you create this classic dish. {{image_2}} Traditional Aglio e Olio is simple and uses just three main ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. This dish shines because of its bold garlic flavor. You can keep it classic, or add a twist. Adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes can boost the dish’s nutrition and color. Spinach wilts nicely, while cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst. Both make your plate more appealing and exciting. Want to make your meal heartier? Incorporating shrimp or chicken gives a protein boost. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood touch. Chicken can be grilled or sautéed, offering a satisfying bite. If you prefer a plant-based option, try chickpeas. They add protein and a creamy texture. This variation makes the dish filling and satisfying for everyone. If you need gluten-free options, worry not! You can use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. These options cook well and taste great. Ensure your sauces and extra ingredients are also gluten-free. Always check labels on olive oil and spices to avoid hidden gluten. With these swaps, you can enjoy Aglio e Olio without compromise. For a full recipe, check the [Full Recipe] section. After enjoying your spaghetti, let any leftovers cool down. Place the spaghetti in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm. This way, it stays tasty and does not dry out. If you want to save spaghetti for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the spaghetti cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the flavor intact. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can get creative with leftover spaghetti. Use it in a stir-fry with veggies and protein. Another fun idea is to turn it into a cold pasta salad. Just toss the spaghetti with some olive oil, fresh veggies, and your favorite dressing. This way, you enjoy a new dish and reduce waste. For the full recipe, check out Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Twist. To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you need simple ingredients and easy steps. Here’s what you’ll need: - 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) Start by boiling salted water. Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente. Save some pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Then, toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet. Mix well with the garlic oil. If it looks dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Finally, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Add salt to taste. Serve with grated Parmesan if you like. This dish is quick and full of flavor! Spaghetti Aglio e Olio comes from Naples, Italy. It started as a simple dish for poor workers. They had few ingredients: garlic, oil, and spaghetti. Over time, it gained fame for its taste and ease. Now, it is loved worldwide. The dish shows how simple items can create great flavors. It reflects Italian cooking's heart—using fresh, quality ingredients. Yes, you can prep Spaghetti Aglio e Olio ahead of time. Cook the spaghetti and garlic oil but do not mix them. Store them separately in the fridge. To store, use an airtight container. For the garlic oil, let it cool first before sealing it. When ready to eat, reheat the garlic oil. Then, toss in the spaghetti with lemon zest and parsley. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and vibrant! Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple, tasty, and uses just a few good ingredients. We discussed key components, cooking steps, and great storage tips. With fresh garlic and olive oil, you create a dish that shines with flavor. Remember, you can customize it with veggies, proteins, or spices. Enjoy the process, get creative, and impress your family and friends. Cooking can be fun, and this recipe is a great way to start.

- Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, try making Spaghetti Aglio e Olio! This simple recipe features just a handful of fresh ingredients like spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and a kick of red pepper flakes for flavor. Discover how to whip up this classic Italian dish that's perfect for any night of the week.
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt, to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

    Prepare the Garlic Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

      Add the Spaghetti: Once the garlic is ready, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta in the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

        Incorporate Flavors: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients. Season with salt to taste.

          Serve: Plate the spaghetti and finish it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

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

              - Presentation Tips: Serve in warmed pasta bowls, garnished with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color. Optionally, drizzle with a bit more olive oil for shine.