Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is authentic Italian pasta with a kick from zesty red peppers. A simple garlic and olive oil sauce along with bright and tangy tomatoes take this spaghetti dinner to the next level!
With just a few quality ingredients, you can make this gorgeous, fragrant authentic Italian meal!
It’s sure to become a staple of your weeknight (or date night!) menu.
Serve it on its own, or with a side salad. Or create an entire Italian-inspired dinner adding Pasta e Fagioli and Sicilian Cauliflower Salad!
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What is Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
This authentic Italian dish from Naples is simplicity at its finest! It’s easy and fast to make.
Translated from Italian ‘Aglio e Olio‘ means ‘garlic and olive oil’.
Garlic is sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, then tossed with cooked spaghetti. It’s seasoned with pepperoncini (peperoncino in Italian) or red pepper flakes.
It’s so easy but the flavors are delicious beyond belief.
I got this recipe from a friend in Italy, who also adds fresh cherry tomatoes to her Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.
They are not used in most traditional versions of this dish. However they add a beautiful color and a burst of sweetness that complements the spiciness of the garlic and peppers.
The recipe can be made with regular or gluten free pasta and is naturally vegetarian too.
Recipe Ingredients + Notes
Here’s everything you need to make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio.
Spaghetti. This recipe is delicious with either regular (wheat) pasta or gluten free noodles. Gluten free spaghetti noodles will release a bit more starch than regular pasta making the sauce a bit creamier.
Olive oil. The oil is a prominent flavor in the dish. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
Garlic. You’ll need five whole cloves, and sliced thinly with a sharp knife.
Fresh pepperoncini OR red pepper flakes. Fresh pepperoncini peppers are used in the traditional version of this recipe. Unfortunately they can be difficult to find in the U.S.!
Red pepper flakes offer an easy and flavorful substitution. If you use the whole pepperoncini, slice it thinly first (see photos A and B below).
Cherry tomatoes. Feel free to omit the tomatoes to make a “classic” version of the spaghetti (or if you just don’t love tomatoes!).
How to Make it – Step-by-Step
STEP 1. Preparation
Slice the garlic thinly as shown in photo 1 below.
If using a fresh pepperoncini prepare it by removing the inner membrane and slicing thinly (photos A and B below).
STEP 2. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water.
Cook to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente.
While it is cooking proceed to the next step.
STEP 2. Sauté
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
Add the garlic, tomatoes and pepperoncini or chili flakes to olive oil (photos 2 and 3). Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant (photo 4).
NOTE: Do not cook over high heat or the garlic will become bitter.
STEP 3. Toss
When the spaghetti is done cooking, transfer it with tongs or a strainer directly into the skillet with the garlic mixture. DO NOT DRAIN OR RINSE the spaghetti.
Add 1/2 cup of the spaghetti cooking water to the skillet and stir to combine (photo 5).
Toss with tongs to combine all the ingredients, then serve immediately seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste (photo 6).
Variations
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cheese lovers will love Spaghetti Aglio e Olio garnished with a bit of Parmesan or grated Romano cheese! Leave off the additional cheese to make this recipe vegan.
- More red pepper flakes. For a spicier version, add even more chili flakes before serving.
- Serve with chicken. Although it’s a filling meal all on its own, this spaghetti dish would also taste amazing served alongside grilled chicken.
Recipe FAQs + Pro Tips
Do not rinse or drain the cooked pasta
When the pasta is cooked use tongs to pick it up. Allow excess water to drain back into the cooking pot.
Add directly to the skillet. A hand held strainer can be used in this same method.
Add cooking water for a creamier sauce
While you CAN make this recipe without adding the cooking water, doing so gives it a lovely velvety texture.
The starch from the cooking water will thicken the light sauce making it even more irresistible.
What are pepperoncini?
Pepperoncini are red chili peppers from Italy. Not to be confused with the pickled green peppers sometimes called “pepperoncini” in the USA.
You’ll want to use these specific red peppers for this recipe. If you can’t find them, the red chili flakes make a perfect substitute.
Can I make this without the tomatoes?
Yes, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio was originally made without the tomatoes. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a pop of color that I love even more than the original!
Storing Leftovers
This spaghetti tastes best served right away. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1 -2 days and reheated in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
The recipe is so easy you can make a fresh batch of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio whenever the craving strikes.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Homemade Spaghetti Sauce – My Grandmother’s Recipe
- Baked Spaghetti Squash with Caprese flavors
- Thai-Style Dipping Sauce
- Easy Italian Baked Meatballs
- Spaghetti Carbonara
Recipe
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta regular or gluten-free
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves peeled and thinly sliced
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon red chili flakes or 1 fresh red pepperoncini, medium heat, sliced
- ½ pound cherry tomatoes halved
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of the spaghetti cooking water optional but recommended
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente on the package. Save aproximately 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, chili flakes (or pepperoncini) and the tomatoes. Cook, stirring often, until the garlic is soft and translucent (aproximately 10 minutes). NOTE: cooking over high heat can overcook/brown the garlic making it bitter so keep the heat at medium.
- When the spaghetti is done cooking, transfer it to the skillet with tongs or a handled strainer along with ½ cup of the cooking water. DO NOT DRAIN OR RINSE the spaghetti. Stir to combine all ingredients in the skillet.
- Salt and pepper to taste, and more chili flakes if desired. Serve with parmesan cheese and more olive oil if desired.
Video
Notes
- You can omit the tomatoes to make the classic version. However they taste really very good, the sweetness adds a nice contrast.
- If using red chili flakes add more or leave it out depending on how hot you like your food.
- Adding the spaghetti cooking water is optional but will make the sauce creamier (especially if cooking gluten-free pasta).
Nutrition
A taste of Italy at home made in minutes! Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the perfect combination of fragrant garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes and hot peppers.
Jennifer says
Love the idea of pairing this with chicken. Such a delicious meal!
Patti Jacoby says
Love it, I make all the time
Karen says
We love pasta and make it for dinner every week. This recipe is a total win. Great flavor, so fast and easy. I love having a simple recipe to count on for weeknight.s
Andrea Metlika says
I love how simple and delicious this pasta dish is! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Mark says
I love all types of spaghetti but had never made Spaghetti Aglio e Olio before. It’s fantastic. I was blown away by the flavor and it’s so simple!
Kathryn Donangelo says
This simple and easy recipe looks delicious! I love how you used minimal ingredients and it is still so good! Perfect for our Sunday dinners, thank you! 🙂
Dana says
My family loved this! Really appreciate how easy it is.
wilhelmina wesse says
I love this recipe because it is so simple but so darn delicious! It is the kind of thing I can eat anytime and always enjoy. YUM!
Kristyn says
My kids love this! It’s a nice change from your traditional spaghetti. Simple, but tasty!
Natalie says
The description is totally correct, easy & fast!! Love the simplicity & basic ingredients & the delicious taste!