![- 300g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you need simple and fresh ingredients. The garlic is key. It adds depth and flavor. Thinly sliced garlic cooks fast, so watch it closely. Red pepper flakes give the dish a bit of spice. You can add more or less based on your taste. Extra-virgin olive oil is the base for the sauce. It should be high quality for the best flavor. The lemon zest and juice brighten up the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Salt enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it. If you like cheese, sprinkle on some Parmesan at the end. The cherry tomatoes are a fun addition. They bring sweetness and juiciness. You can use them or leave them out. They add a nice twist to the classic recipe. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to prepare this dish. - Protein options (shrimp, chicken) - Seasonal vegetables - Other herbs and spices To make the meal heartier, think about adding proteins. Shrimp or chicken cook quickly and add great flavor. Seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini can also bring in extra nutrients. Herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the taste too. Feel free to get creative with what you have! To start, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. This step adds flavor to the spaghetti. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add 300g of spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This is key for the sauce. Drain the spaghetti but do not rinse it. In a large skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 6 cloves of sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it turns golden, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Next, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick to the dish. Allow the flakes to cook for about 30 seconds. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 3 to 4 minutes. They should soften and become juicy. Now it’s time to combine! Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet. Mix it well to coat it with the garlic and oil. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Also, add half of the chopped parsley. If the pasta looks dry, add some reserved pasta water. Keep mixing until you reach your desired creaminess. Finally, season with salt to taste. Remove the skillet from heat. Your delicious Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the detailed guide. To get great flavor, focus on sautéing garlic just right. Use medium heat and watch it closely. Garlic cooks fast and can burn easily. Sauté it for about two minutes until golden, but not brown. This gives a nice, sweet flavor. Next, balance spice and acidity with lemon. The zest adds a fresh burst, while the juice brightens the dish. Add lemon juice right before serving. This keeps the flavor fresh and lively. For al dente pasta, cook spaghetti for 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times, as brands vary. You want it to be firm but not hard. Timing is key for adding ingredients. Toss in cherry tomatoes after the garlic. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they soften. This keeps them fresh and juicy. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. It helps bind the dish together later. When plating Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, use shallow bowls. This makes the dish look inviting. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top for shine. Garnish with parsley for color. A lemon wedge on the side adds a nice touch. You can also sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your beautiful, tasty dish! For the full recipe, check out the link provided. {{image_2}} You can easily add proteins like shrimp or chicken to make your dish heartier. This small change can turn a light meal into a filling feast. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, for a fresh taste. These add color and nutrition to your plate, making your meal even better. To make your dish pop, try infusing extra-virgin olive oil with herbs. You can use rosemary, thyme, or basil. This simple step adds rich flavors without much effort. Another great idea is to use different types of cheese for depth. Pecorino Romano or a tangy goat cheese can bring new taste sensations to your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. If you want to simplify your cooking, try the one-pot spaghetti method. Cook everything together for a quick meal with less cleanup. Just toss the raw pasta, garlic, and oil into the pot with water and let it cook. You can also make a baked version. This way, your pasta gets crispy edges while remaining soft inside, offering a delightful contrast. For the full recipe, visit [Full Recipe]. To store leftover spaghetti, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze spaghetti for up to three months. To reheat spaghetti, the stovetop is best. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil. This helps keep the pasta moist. Stir occasionally until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place the spaghetti in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid drying it out. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can! If you skip the cheese, the dish remains tasty. You might add a splash of cream for a creamy texture. Another option is to use nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Salads go great with this dish. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works well. Garlic bread is also a fantastic choice. It complements the garlic flavor in the pasta. To serve more people, just multiply the ingredients. For example, double everything for eight servings. Keep the cooking times the same, but check the pasta for doneness. You may need a larger pot for boiling. If you lack olive oil, use avocado oil or sunflower oil. Both have a mild taste that works well. Grapeseed oil is another option, as it has a light flavor too. You can find the full recipe [here](Full Recipe). It has all the steps and tips to make this dish perfect. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet delicious. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. You can customize this dish by adding proteins and veggies. Remember to balance the garlic and lemon for taste. If you store leftovers, keep them moist while reheating. Enjoy your cooking adventure and try the variations for a fresh twist. You’ll impress anyone with this dish!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f6e5d00b-504d-4d52-a053-c2bbef60ee08-300x300.webp)
22. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Discover a delicious twist on the classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with this easy recipe! Get ready to impress your family and friends with a flavorful dish featuring garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon finish. Perfect for any occasion, this simple recipe takes only 20 minutes to prepare.