Spaghetti agilo e olio is the easiest pasta dish you'll ever make! Only 3 ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need to have a delicious vegan dinner. Serve with a salad and garlic bread for a full meal!
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I can't tell you how many times garlic oil pasta has saved me.
There have been times when I've needed to keep my grocery costs way down and this meatless recipe has been there for me. There have also been times when I've hardly had the energy to do anything, much less make dinner, and spaghetti aglio olio has been there for me.
Spaghetti agilo e olio means spaghetti with garlic and oil. This is hands down the easiest, cheapest, fastest meal you could ever make.
This is a back-pocket, classic, anyone can do it kind of dinner. You're going to have it memorized in no time!
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Italian Parsley (optional)
How to make spaghetti with garlic and oil
- Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving ½ cup cooking water
- Heat oil over medium heat and cook garlic 2 minutes
- Add pasta and cooking water, tossing to combine
- Season with salt, pepper, and parsley
Top tips
Prep your ingredients
This recipe come together quickly, so it's important to have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start. Prepping in advance ensures a smooth cooking process and helps prevent overcooked pasta!
Don't burn the garlic
Garlic cooks quickly, and tastes terrible if burned, so make sure you don't walk away while it's cooking. You'll want to stir it almost constantly and have the cooked pasta ready to add once it starts to turn a light, golden brown.
Salt your pasta water
Always salt your pasta water-this is your main chance to season the pasta itself. Use a generous amount of sea salt to enhance the overall flavor of your dish. Think of it like seasoning a soup: bland water equals bland pasta.
How to store spaghetti aglio e olio
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the pasta.
Tips for customizing garlic oil pasta
- Serve alongside (or mixed with) my spinach and white beans for protein and veggies
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic
- Sprinkle with freshly grated vegetarian parmesan cheese
- Meat eaters can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or salmon
- Add a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic for one minute and let it cook off for a minute
FAQ
Yes, just swap the pasta for a gluten free variety and everything else is naturally gluten free.
Garlic is the star of this dish! My recipe calls for 3 large cloves, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Yes, this dish is naturally vegan-no cheese, butter, or animal products needed. Just make sure your pasta is egg-free!
More vegetarian pasta recipes
- Spaghetti with Chickpeas
- Pesto Linguine with Crispy Balsamic Chickpeas
- Orecchiette with Spinach and Butter Beans
- Garlic Broccoli Pasta
- Roasted Garlic and Tomato Penne
- Halloumi Stroganoff
- Baked Spinach and Cheese Manicotti
- Pan Fried Butternut Squash Pasta
- Halloumi Pasta
- Penne al Pomodoro
- Spaghetti Arrabbiata
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Spaghetti Aglio Olio
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Salt the water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water and drain.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic cloves and cook, stirring, until pale blonde, about 2 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cooking water to the garlic mixture and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Tips for customizing:
- Serve alongside (or mixed with) my spinach and white beans for protein and veggies
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic
- Sprinkle with freshly grated vegetarian parmesan cheese
- Meat eaters can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or salmon
- Add a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic for one minute and let it cook off for a minute
whiness says
It's one of my favourites. Simple but delicious.
Debs @ The Spanish Wok says
Sorry to hear things not so good for you at the moment.
When I make this I have to have it with chopped chillies too. Delicious.
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Dylan says
Hi, I went to Brazil and ate a Spaghetti and it was floating in an oil. Can someone tell me what you think that oil was please?