Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: A 5-Ingredient Pasta Miracle

Ever have one of those nights where you’re completely drained, the family is hungry, and the thought of a complicated meal feels impossible? What if I told you one of the most beloved Italian pasta dishes requires just five simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time? Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is that miracle. It’s the humble, soulful pasta that proves you don’t need a lot to create something truly magical. It’s the ultimate in easy weeknight dinners, and honestly, it might just become your new favorite.

Top Reasons To Make It

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for so many reasons. It’s incredibly fast, coming together in the time it takes to boil water and cook pasta. It’s a champion of cheap dinners for a family, using pantry staples you likely already have. There’s no need for a fancy sauce; the magic is in the garlic-infused oil. It’s a fantastic canvas for getting creative with whatever veggies or protein you have on hand. And it’s simply, soulfully delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti: The classic foundation of the dish.
• 1/2 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil: This is the star, so use the good stuff.
• 6-8 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced: For that essential, fragrant punch.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to your family’s preferred heat level.
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: For a vital burst of fresh color and flavor at the end.
• Salt, to taste: For seasoning the pasta water and finishing the dish.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, gently heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, swirling the pan often, until the garlic is fragrant and just begins to turn a very light golden color—about 3-5 minutes. Do not let it brown or it will turn bitter.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
4. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together vigorously, using tongs. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it loosens up and becomes silky.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and season with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Easy Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a protein boost, toss in a can of drained chickpeas or some shredded smoked turkey with the pasta. Love veggies? Sauté a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes in the skillet right after the garlic. If you’re out of parsley, a big pinch of dried oregano works in a pinch. For a nutty, cheesy flavor without dairy, a tablespoon of nutritional yeast stirred in at the end is a fantastic plant-based option.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side. A crisp, green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is the perfect fresh counterpoint. For a heartier healthy dinner idea, serve it alongside some roasted broccoli or asparagus. And don’t forget a generous wedge of crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that glorious garlic oil.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The oil will solidify, which is perfectly normal. The best way to reheat it is in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or broth. This will help re-emulsify the sauce and prevent it from being greasy. Honestly, microwaving can make the pasta a bit gummy, so the stovetop is worth the extra minute.

Pro Tips For Success

Slice your garlic thinly and evenly so it all cooks at the same rate. Use a large skillet! You need room to toss the pasta comfortably. That starchy pasta water is liquid gold—it helps the sauce cling to every strand of spaghetti. Keep your heat low when toasting the garlic; patience here is the difference between flavorful and bitter. And taste, taste, taste! Adjust the salt and red pepper at the end until it’s just right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
• Is this one of those healthy dinner recipes? It can be! It’s made with simple, whole ingredients. You can control the amount of oil if you’re watching calories, but remember, healthy fats are part of a balanced diet.
• My garlic burned! What now? Sadly, if the garlic is burnt, it’s best to start that step over. Burnt garlic will make the entire dish taste bitter.
• What other pasta dinner recipes are this simple? This dish is in a class of its own for simplicity, but a classic cacio e pepe or a simple lemon butter pasta are also wonderfully quick options.