Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the simplest and the easiest Italian dish! It requires minimum and simple ingredients and yet it’s a deliciously comforting.
Aglio e Olio means olive oil and garlic. It’s a traditional Italian dish. Its also known for its simplicity.
Whenever, I am short of time or ingredients I quickly toss this recipe and enjoy dinner with my family. It’s the easiest and the simplest way to make all the pasta lovers super happy.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic
Crushed chili flakes
Nutritional yeast
Parsley
Spaghetti (regular/whole grains/GF)
Salt
Pepper
Capers in vinegar and salt brine
How to make this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Firstly, I heated extra virgin olive oil in a nonstick pan and sauteed minced garlic in it until it was brown.
Secondly, I added crushed chili flakes, nutritional yeast and parsley. Then, I quickly mixed it.
Thereafter, I tossed in boiled spaghetti, salt and pepper.
Lastly, I garnished with capers and served immediately.
We all enjoyed this dish heartily and happily.
Expert tips:
- Most importantly, the garlic should be sautéed brown. Make sure it does not get burnt or else the taste of this spaghetti aglio e olio will have a burnt taste too.
- I added nutritional yeast to get a little cheesy flavor to this recipe. Therefore, add it in the oil itself so it gets mixed very well.
- I mixed fresh parsley in the oil to flavor the oil perfectly for this dish. Hence, its important to toss it in EVOO to get the right flavors.
- Above all, please do not substitute extra virgin olive oil with any other oil in this recipe to get the right flavors.
Frequently asked questions:
How long does this last?
This recipe tastes best when served immediately. If it is kept for longer time it loses its texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for capers?
Capers add a little extra salty and tangy flavor to this recipe. I personally like it to garnish. However, it is optional and feel to skip it totally.
Why are we using extra virgin olive oil in this recipe?
Originally spaghetti aglio e olio is a lighter sauce dish and healthier as compared to other rich Italian recipes. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is rich in good fat. When I flavored it with fresh herbs and chili flakes this dish becomes absolutely desirable. Therefore, Extra Virgin olive Oil adds to flavor and health of this recipe. To make it healthier you may use whole grain spaghetti.
You may also like:
Instant Pot Pasta Fagioli Soup
Pasta Mushroom Stir Fry
Vegan Habanero Cauliflower Spaghetti
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Fettuccine Alfredo
Creamy Coconut Pasta
Did you make it?
If you get a chance to make this recipe then please leave your feedback in the comments below along with the ratings. In addition, you may tag @kiipfit on Instagram because we would love to see what you cooked.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp crushed chili flakes
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 16 oz pack of spaghetti (cooked and drained) (regular/whole grain/GF)
- 1 tsp salt or as per taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
To garnish
- 2 tbsp capers in vinegar and salt brine (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat and saute garlic in it until brown. It should not be brunt.
- Add crushed chili flakes, nutritional yeast and parsley to it. Mix it for 30 seconds.
- Bring the flame to low-medium and toss in cooked spaghetti, salt and pepper.
- Turn off the flame and garnish with capers.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Veena Azmanov says
A delicious meal. Flavorful and Happy Dinner option. My family to love it. Quick and easy to make too.
Gunjan says
Thank you Veena! Its the quickest and easiest one.
Heidy McCallum says
This is one of my favorite childhood dishes. My grandparents and mother are from Bellosguardo, Italy and this was one of the many recipes we used to eat. I love your version of adding capers to the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio they just add an extra touch and layer of flavor to the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Yum’d this recipe to save.
Have a great day!
Heidy
Gunjan says
I love this one too.
Kay says
The simple ones are sometimes the best ones! So good, we both went up for more!
Gunjan says
Thank you Kay! I really appreciate your feedback 🙂
Linda says
What a great recipe! I was short on time this week, plus all the markets were out of most produce and canned goods, so this was a quick and easy dinner with things I had on hand. I only changed out the nutritional yeast for parmesan cheese but kept all that delicious garlic and olive oil (of course). Perfect for all us pasta lovers!
Gunjan says
Thank you Linda for trying this recipe and appreciating as well. I am so happy that it worked out for you all 🙂
Marisa F. Stewart says
Such a simple dish. A classic that is full of flavor. This is a meal everyone will love. I hadn’t thought of adding capers to the pasta. Great idea – I’ll do that next time.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I can never say no to a spaghetti recipe, but especially this one. It looks so good!! Bookmarking it for later, thanks for the recipe 🙂
Leslie says
What a great pasta recipe! So easy and so versatile! Sure to please anyone who tries it!
Amanda says
You’re right — it’s definitely so simple to make but also super delicious! This is perfect for a busy weeknight. I’ll definitely add this to the rotation.
Jenni LeBaron says
This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe looks absolutely delicious! I love that it comes together with really simple ingredients in such a short amount of time. This is my ideal Friday night dinner recipe!
Aline says
The best recipes are often the best!! What a delicious classic!