Infuse Flavor Like Ina Garten: Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe Magic

Pasta lovers rejoice as Ina Garten’s spaghetti aglio e olio recipe emerges as a culinary masterpiece of simplicity and flavor.

This classic Italian dish sparkles with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

Garlic, olive oil, and parsley dance together in a harmonious symphony of taste.

Each twirl of spaghetti promises a delightful experience that transports you straight to the heart of Naples.

The recipe celebrates the beauty of uncomplicated cooking, proving that extraordinary meals need not be complex.

Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a meal that speaks volumes through its delicious simplicity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything You Need for Ina Garten Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that provides the perfect canvas for absorbing rich garlic flavors, select high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and authentic taste.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Aromatic duo that creates the heart of this classic Italian dish, choose extra virgin olive oil for robust flavor and fresh garlic cloves for intense, sharp taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds delightful heat and warmth, select bright red flakes for vibrant color and consistent spiciness.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies all other flavors, use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbal freshness and beautiful green color, choose crisp, vibrant parsley leaves with no wilting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides creamy, salty depth, select authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for genuine Italian flavor and smooth melting quality.

Tools That Help With Ina Garten Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water space.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked spaghetti perfectly.
• Large skillet or pan: Perfect for creating garlic oil sauce and mixing pasta.
• Sharp knife: Used to slice garlic thinly and chop parsley.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Great for stirring pasta and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure pasta water and other ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping herbs and garlic.

Cooking Directions for Ina Garten Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

• Water Preparation

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt to enhance the pasta flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

• Pasta Cooking

Drop the spaghetti into the boiling water. Cook until the noodles reach a perfect al dente texture. Before draining, scoop out some pasta water and set aside.

• Garlic Infusion

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet. Gently slide thinly sliced garlic into the oil, allowing it to sizzle and turn a soft golden color. Scatter red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

• Sauce Creation

Pour the reserved pasta water into the fragrant garlic mixture. Let it simmer and reduce, creating a silky liquid base. The sauce will transform into a light, glossy coating.

• Pasta Finale

Transfer the cooked spaghetti into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each strand gets a luxurious coating. Sprinkle fresh parsley and a handful of Parmesan cheese. Give it a final gentle stir and serve immediately.

Flavor Boosts for Ina Garten Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

• Use a sharp knife to create ultra-thin, uniform garlic slices that crisp evenly without burning, ensuring maximum flavor distribution throughout the sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to match personal spice preferences – use less for mild warmth or increase for a more intense, fiery kick that awakens taste buds.
• Never discard pasta water, as its starchy liquid acts like a secret sauce binding agent, creating silky, clingy texture that helps ingredients adhere perfectly to spaghetti strands.
• Experiment with herb alternatives like fresh basil or chives instead of parsley, introducing subtle flavor complexity while maintaining the recipe's classic Mediterranean spirit.
• Replace traditional Parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper, saltier profile that complements the garlic and adds deeper umami notes to the classic Italian dish.

Presentation Tips for Ina Garten Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

• Sprinkle Fresh Parsley Garnish: Add a vibrant burst of green by scattering extra chopped parsley on top, which brings brightness and a fresh herb aroma to the classic dish.
• Pair with Crispy Garlic Bread: Serve alongside toasted, buttery garlic bread to complement the spaghetti's garlicky flavor and provide a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
• Create a Simple Side Salad: Toss a quick green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, oily pasta and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Recommend Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the delicate garlic and pepper notes of the spaghetti.

How to Store Ina Garten Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Right

• Batch Prepare Sauce: Whip up extra garlic-oil base and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making quick meal prep a breeze.
• Freeze Wisely: Transfer leftover spaghetti aglio e olio to freezer-safe containers, ensuring it stays fresh for 2-3 weeks when sealed tightly.
• Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated pasta by adding a splash of water and stirring over medium-low heat to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Quick Lunch Strategy: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for a delicious work or school lunch that tastes just as delightful when reheated.

Stellar Spaghetti Aglio E Olio Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s spaghetti aglio e olio showcases simple Italian pasta perfection with garlic, olive oil, and parsley. Chefs will savor this classic dish’s elegant simplicity and robust flavors that transport dinner tables straight to Naples.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) spaghetti, such as De Cecco
• 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus extra for serving
• 8 large garlic cloves, sliced thinly
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil, good quality
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup (20 g) parsley, fresh, minced

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Instructions

1. Water Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, generously salting the liquid. Immerse spaghetti and cook following package instructions until perfectly al dente. Reserve 360 milliliters of pasta water before draining.
2. Garlic Infusion: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Delicately sauté thinly sliced garlic, stirring continuously until edges transform to a golden amber. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, allowing them to release their aromatic essence for 30 seconds.
3. Sauce Development: Pour reserved pasta water into the fragrant garlic-oil mixture. Elevate heat to induce boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow liquid to reduce by one-third, integrating salt to enhance flavor complexity.
4. Pasta Integration: Transfer cooked spaghetti directly into the aromatic sauce. Thoroughly toss to ensure comprehensive coating, momentarily removing pan from heat source.
5. Final Embellishment: Gently fold in freshly chopped parsley and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Let the pasta rest briefly, allowing sauce to absorb and flavors to harmonize. Conduct a final seasoning adjustment if needed.
6. Serving: Plate the spaghetti while maintaining optimal temperature, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese for personal preference.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved pasta water acts as a secret weapon, creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti strands.
• Garlic Precision: Slice garlic paper-thin and watch carefully during sautéing to prevent burning, which can introduce bitter flavors.
• Heat Control Technique: Manage skillet temperature meticulously to develop golden garlic without scorching, ensuring a delicate, nutty flavor profile.
• Resting Ritual: Allowing pasta to rest for 5 minutes enables deeper sauce absorption and harmonizes flavors, transforming a simple dish into a restaurant-quality experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg