Authentic Roman Aglio e Olio
A classic Roman pasta dish where garlic and chili sing in olive oil, capturing the essence of true Italian simplicity. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 60ml extra virgin olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, adding 2 tablespoons salt. Cook 400g spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 60ml extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 8 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, cooking gently for 4-5 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant (do not brown).
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss vigorously for 1 minute. Stir in reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until sauce coats the pasta like silk (about 3 tablespoons total).
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley, and season with salt to taste. Serve immediately with extra parsley for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Roman Aglio e Olio take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Roman Aglio e Olio?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Roman Aglio e Olio?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Roman Aglio e Olio for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Roman Aglio e Olio?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
