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- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt, to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) - Spaghetti: 400g is about 14 ounces. - Garlic: 6 cloves is roughly 2 tablespoons when minced. - Olive oil: ½ cup equals about 120ml. - Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon is about 5g. - Lemon zest: From one lemon, this is about 1 tablespoon. - Lemon juice: The juice from one lemon is about 2 tablespoons. - Parsley: ¼ cup is about 15g when chopped. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This oil adds depth to your dish. Fresh garlic gives a stronger flavor than pre-minced garlic. Always choose firm lemons, as they have more juice. Fresh parsley enhances the dish with a bright flavor. If you use cheese, go for a good quality Parmesan. Each ingredient plays a role in making your spaghetti aglio e olio shine. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is key. Add 400g of spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. Once the pasta is ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Next, grab a large skillet and heat ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture gently. You want the garlic to turn golden and fragrant. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish. Stir often so it cooks evenly. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss the pasta well to coat it with the oil. If it feels dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix in the zest and juice of 1 lemon next. This adds a bright flavor that balances the oil. Season with salt to taste. Finally, add ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Stir it well to ensure every bite is flavorful. Serve your spaghetti in warm bowls. Drizzle any leftover garlic oil over the top. If you like, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Enjoy this simple, tasty dish that comes together in just 20 minutes! For the complete details, check the Full Recipe. To get spaghetti just right, cook it in a big pot of water. The water should boil before adding the pasta. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Check the package for cooking time, but taste a piece a minute or two early. You want it firm, not mushy. This is the key to a perfect al dente bite. To make your spaghetti pop with flavor, think about adding lemon zest and juice. The zest gives a fresh kick. Red pepper flakes add heat, so use what feels right for you. Fresh parsley not only looks good but adds a fresh taste. You could also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for creaminess. Feel free to adjust these flavors based on what you enjoy. One common mistake is burning the garlic. Keep the heat low and stir often. If the garlic turns brown too quickly, it becomes bitter. Another mistake is forgetting to save pasta water. This water helps bind the sauce to the spaghetti. Lastly, don’t skip the salt in the boiling water. It flavors the pasta as it cooks. Following these tips will help you make a delicious dish. Find the [Full Recipe](#) for more guidance on making spaghetti aglio e olio! {{image_2}} You can easily boost your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio by adding protein. Shrimp works great. Just sauté the shrimp in olive oil before adding garlic. Cook them until they turn pink, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Chicken is another tasty option. Cook bite-sized pieces in the oil until golden. This adds flavor and makes the dish more filling. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding mushrooms or spinach. Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a rich flavor. They absorb the oil well and add depth. Fresh spinach is another option. Just toss it in at the end. It wilts quickly and adds color and nutrition. You can switch up flavors by using seasonal ingredients. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In summer, fresh tomatoes or zucchini will brighten the dish. Fall brings squash or pumpkin, giving a warm, earthy taste. Winter is perfect for root vegetables like carrots or parsnips. These swaps keep your meal exciting and fresh. For more detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. To store your spaghetti aglio e olio, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you store it this way, the flavors stay fresh, and the pasta remains tasty. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to keep it moist. Stir frequently until it’s warmed through. This way, you’ll enjoy the same great taste as when it was fresh. If you want to store spaghetti aglio e olio for longer, freezing is a great choice. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To enjoy later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned before for a quick meal. "Aglio e Olio" means "garlic and oil" in Italian. This dish highlights these two simple ingredients. The recipe is quick and easy, yet it packs a punch in flavor. I love how these basic items create a tasty meal. Yes, you can make spaghetti Aglio e Olio without gluten. Just use gluten-free pasta instead. Many brands offer great options that work well. Cooking time may vary, so check the package for details. You will still enjoy this classic taste! You can easily adjust the spice level in Aglio e Olio. Start with less red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder taste. You can always add more later. If you want more heat, try adding fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. This way, you control the spice to your liking! This guide covered the key steps for making Aglio e Olio. You learned about key ingredients, proper cooking techniques, and tips to avoid mistakes. Finding the perfect texture and flavor can transform your dish. You can mix things up with proteins or veggies based on your taste. Store any leftovers well for later. Enjoy experimenting with Aglio e Olio for tasty meals, anytime!

33. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Elevate your dinner game with this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Zesty Twist! This quick and delicious recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil mixture, with a delightful kick from red pepper flakes and a burst of fresh lemon flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests, this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this zesty pasta tonight!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

    Prepare the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s warm, add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.

      Combine Ingredients: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic oil mixture. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

        Add Zest and Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from heat and add the lemon zest and juice, tossing well to combine. Season with salt to taste.

          Finish with Parsley: Stir in the chopped parsley, ensuring even distribution throughout the pasta.

            Serve: Plate the spaghetti in bowls, drizzling any remaining garlic oil from the skillet over the top. If desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in warm pasta bowls, garnished with a sprig of parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of freshness.