Italian Recipe
Classic Pasta Aglio e Olio with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
One of Italy's simplest pasta dishes, Aglio e Olio combines spaghetti, garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and a touch of chilli for a quick meal full of aroma and flavour. With so few ingredients, the quality of the olive oil makes all the difference.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
What You Need
Ingredients
- 350-400 g spaghetti
- 5-6 garlic cloves
- 5-6 tbsp premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1-2 dried red chillies or ½ tsp chilli flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 2-3 tbsp pasta cooking water
How To Make It
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve a small amount of the pasta cooking water.
Prepare the Garlic
Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Keep the slices relatively even so they cook at the same rate.
Warm the Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Heat the Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a large pan over low to medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chilli. Cook gently until the garlic becomes lightly golden and fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
Add the Pasta
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan. Toss well so the pasta becomes coated in the fragrant olive oil.
Bring Everything Together
Add a small splash of reserved pasta water and toss again. The water helps the olive oil coat the pasta more evenly and creates a light, glossy finish.
Finish With Parsley
Add the chopped parsley and toss gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little salt if needed. Serve immediately with an additional drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil if desired.
Good To Know
Tips & Notes
The Italian Secret: Don't Overcomplicate It
Aglio e Olio is proof that Italian cooking doesn't need a long ingredient list.
The key is gentle cooking.
Garlic should become aromatic and lightly golden, not dark and bitter. The olive oil should remain the heart of the dish.
Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and glossy.
How To Serve
Serving Suggestions
- Quick weeknight dinner
- Late-night Italian meal
- Simple lunch
- Side dish alongside grilled vegetables
- Easy pasta for casual gatherings
The Story
Why Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil Matters
In Aglio e Olio, Extra Virgin Olive Oil isn't simply used for cooking. It forms the base of the entire sauce.
A good oil brings fruitiness, aroma, body, and a gentle peppery finish that works beautifully with garlic and chilli.
Radice's Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Basilicata, Southern Italy, uses an Ogliarola and Coratina blend. Its balanced green character makes it a natural choice for a dish where olive oil takes centre stage.
A Simple Taste of Italy
Good pasta. Fresh garlic. A little chilli. Parsley. Exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
That's the beauty of Italian cooking: a few honest ingredients are often all you need.
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