The Best & flavorful Aglio e Olio

Aglio e Olio is a delicious flavorful spgthetti recipe that means Garlic (Aglio) and Olive oil (Olio). This dish has originated in Naples, Italy and I was fortunate enough to visit it and learn from chefs there. This recipe is easy and so flavorful with an easy hack that ensures its always a hit! The hack isn’t the traditional part of the recipe but i’ve seen it always ensures the most flavor. No more saying Aglio e olio is so bland. This recipe comes together in 15 mins and its so cozy for winter months. For a full list of tips to help you get the best Aglio e olio recipe check the notes and tips at the end.

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 3-5 servings

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cooking Time: 10-15 mins

Total Time: 15-20 mins

Ingredients: 

• 8-10 oz Spaghetti 

• 8-10 cloves of Garlic thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 

• 1 - 1.5 tsp Chili pepper flakes

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Parsley 

• Salt to taste

• 1/8 tsp Pepper

• 2 tsp Pesto 

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3/4-1 cup pasta water 

Directions: 

1. In a sauce pan boil water with salt. Add spaghetti when boiled and boil till al dente. Do not boil too much water, boil in shallow water to get starchy pasta water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

2. In a pan on low-medium heat add olive oil. Do not heat up the oil too hot. When the oil is slightly warm, add the sliced garlic.

3. When it becomes translucent, add chili flakes. Cook it for 1 minute.

4. Add chopped parsley and pesto and cook it for 1-2 mins.

5. Add 3/4 cup pasta water, salt and pepper and mix. Let the pasta water, cook off. When half cooked off add the boiled spaghetti and stir it in. Keep tossing it in so that it coats it all well.

6. Add half of the grated cheese and mix.

7. Let it sit for 1-2 mins and then serve.

8. Top with remaining cheese and enjoy!

Notes/Tips:

• Prep all ingredients aa=nd start cooking. you want to add the pasta right after its boiled and not let it sit for too long.

• Use the best extra virgin Olive oil you have! It is one of the most important things

• Boil the spaghetti in shallow salted water to get starchy pasta water. This helps to bind it well & make it more flavorful.

• Slice the garlic thin so there is more surface area to get the flavor.

• Make sure the oil is not too hot, we do not want to burn the garlic!

• Add the chili flakes in the oil and let it cook so that the flavor comes through.

• Use fresh herbs over dried herbs. It makes so much difference!