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To make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, you need fresh and simple items. Here’s the full list: - 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Each ingredient plays a big role in creating the dish's flavor. The spaghetti is the heart of the meal, giving it body. Garlic brings warmth, while red pepper flakes add a kick. The olive oil is key for richness. Lemon zest and juice add brightness, making it all come alive. I love using fresh parsley for color and flavor. Parmesan cheese is a nice touch if you want extra creaminess. With these ingredients, you are ready to make a delicious meal! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 400g of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and will help mix flavors later. Then, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Next, take a large skillet and heat 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Sauté gently for about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully, as you want the garlic to turn golden but not brown. Browning can make the garlic taste bitter, which we want to avoid. Now it’s time to spice things up! Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for another minute. This step releases their flavor and gives a nice kick to the dish. Then, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the garlic oil mixture. Gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This adds brightness to the dish. Taste your spaghetti and season with salt as needed. Toss everything together until well mixed. To finish, plate the spaghetti and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this simple yet flavorful meal. For the full recipe, check back to the top! To get golden garlic, cook it slowly. Start with medium heat and watch it closely. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes for the garlic to turn golden. If it browns, it will taste bitter. Stir often to keep it from burning. Red pepper flakes can change the heat of your dish. Start with half a teaspoon. If you want more heat, add more gradually. For those who are sensitive to spice, use less or leave it out. You can also try using a pinch of black pepper instead. Fresh herbs can make a big difference. Try adding chopped parsley for color and flavor. If you don’t have lemon zest, you can use a splash of vinegar. Lime juice is also a good choice for that extra zing. Adding these elements enhances the dish and keeps it fresh. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} The classic version of spaghetti aglio e olio uses simple ingredients. You make it with just garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti. You skip the lemon for a pure taste. This dish shines with its bold garlic flavor. It highlights the quality of your oil. Use fresh ingredients for the best results. You can easily add protein to your dish. Chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work great. For chicken, cook it in the skillet before adding garlic. If you use shrimp, add them after the garlic is golden. Chickpeas can go in with the spaghetti. This timing ensures everything cooks well. Adding vegetables can brighten your spaghetti. Try spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. Chop them small so they mix well. Sauté veggies with garlic for a tasty blend. You can add them right after the garlic is golden. This way, they soak up the garlic oil flavor. For more tips on how to make spaghetti aglio e olio, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftover spaghetti aglio e olio, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and helps prevent odors from other foods. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. There are a few ways to reheat your spaghetti. One method is to use the microwave. Place the spaghetti in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it for one minute. Stir and heat again if needed. Another way is to use a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil and heat on low. Toss the spaghetti gently until warm. This helps keep the flavors strong and the dish tasty. Avoid high heat to keep the garlic from burning. "Aglio e Olio" is Italian for "garlic and oil." This dish uses simple, fresh ingredients to create bold flavors. It shows how a few items can make a great meal. Many people love it for its ease and taste. To cook spaghetti al dente, boil it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for exact times as they can vary. The pasta should be firm when bitten. Remember to stir it so it doesn't stick together. You can prepare components of this dish in advance. Cook the spaghetti and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the garlic oil separate and mix them together just before serving. This way, your meal stays fresh and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions for this delightful dish. This blog post walked you through the simple steps to make a delicious spaghetti dish. You learned about key ingredients, clear instructions, and helpful tips to boost flavor. Remember to adjust spice levels and try different variations to suit your taste. Proper storage and reheating also keep your meal fresh. Overall, this easy recipe not only satisfies but also allows for creativity. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful dish with others!

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Elevate your dinner game with this Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Zesty Twist! This easy and delicious recipe combines classic flavors of garlic and olive oil with bright lemon zest and a hint of spice. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a stunning dish that's perfect for any occasion. Discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends tonight! Click through to get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and sliced garlic. Sauté gently for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic turns golden but not browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

      Spice It Up: Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for an additional minute to release their flavor.

        Combine Flavors: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic oil mixture. Gradually add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.

          Add Zing: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste and toss everything together until well combined.

            Garnish and Serve: Plate the spaghetti and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an additional flavor boost.

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