Authentic aglio olio recipe is an ancient recipe that originated from the south of Italy, probably the Campania region. The simplicity of this recipe is undeniably unique, all you need is spaghetti, garlic, chilli and olive oil!
This recipe is an Italian classic, a real fast food, ready in 10 minutes and a great example of both comfort food and cucina povera (peasant food).
It was an inexpensive way of feeding the family with ingredients which were very abundant in the region: spaghetti pasta and unbelievable extra virgin olive oil.
If you like authentic Italian cuisine, you will also enjoy spaghetti alle Bolognese and spaghetti alle Vongole! Check them out…
Can I use other pasta shapes for authentic aglio olio recipe?
Absolutely, but in my opinion this simple sauce works better with long, thin pasta. If spaghetti is not available, you could use vermicelli or linguine.
Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
For a bit of extra flavour, you could add a few anchovy fillets, perhaps some capers and olives. Alternatively, you could really pimp it up by adding shredded courgettes or prawns, or even both
Why not finish your meal with a delightful Tiramisu or Pana Cotta! Treat yourself and your loved ones to these unique Italian classic dishes!
Let's make authentic aglio olio recipe!
Ingredients
- 500 g Spaghetti pasta
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 20 g parmesan or pecorino cheese
- 15 g / 3 garlic cloves
- 10 g / a handful of chopped parsley
- 1 chopped red chili
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Method
Start by placing a large pan of salted water on the heat, once boiling add the pasta and cook about a minute less then packaging instructions.
Meanwhile, pour the extra virgin olive in a large frying pan (skillet), add the finely sliced or chopped garlic and the chopped chilly, place on a gentle heat.
When the garlic is golden in colour remove from the heat to avoid burning.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, using the tongs, transfer them in the sauce, adding a bit of the cooking water
Place back on the heat and steer the pasta for a minute in the sauce, this will emulsify the oil creating a creamier and thicker sauce. Remove from the heat and add the chopped parsley, you might want to add to authentic aglio olio recipe a little bit of Parmesan shavings for more flavour.
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Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Large frying pan (skillet)
Ingredients
- 500 g Spaghetti pasta
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 20 g parmesan or pecorino cheese
- 3 each garlic cloves 15 g
- 10 g chopped parsley handful
- 1 chopped red chili
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large pan of salted water on the heat, once boiling add the pasta and cook about a minute less then packaging instructions.
- Meanwhile, pour the extra virgin olive in a large frying pan (skillet), add the finely sliced or chopped garlic and the chopped chilly, place on a gentle heat.
- When the garlic is golden in colour remove from the heat to avoid burning.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, using the tongs, transfer them in the sauce, adding a bit of the cooking water
- Place back on the heat and steer the pasta for a minute in the sauce, this will emulsify the oil creating a creamier and thicker sauce.
- Remove from the heat and add the chopped parsley and the grated cheese before serving
Notes
We hope you enjoyed the authentic aglio olio recipe, I never thought a recipe so simple would taste so good!
If you are looking for a speedy pasta recipe, why not try our crudaiola recipe, a quick celebration of tomatoes. Also, if you have any cooked spaghetti leftover, don’t panic! Just check out the pasta frittata!
Don’t forget about your sides, try serving the pasta frittata with garlic spinach or caponata, and if you are preparing for a garden pick-nick don’t forget to pack some Panzanella salad!
Share this recipe with your family and friends. Comment in the comment below and let us know your thoughts, don’t forget to subscribe to our mail list and we will send you our new recipes straight to your inbox!
Stay safe and eat well!
I love aglio olio pasta. I made this dish once and I included shrimp. It taste really good. Thanks for sharing
I’m always on the lookout for different pasta recipes. This one is a Keeper!!
Such an easy and delicious recipe! The family loved it.
This traditional dish sounds wonderful! I just posted a spin on the classic carpaccio recipe. My daughter would love this pasta
Great recipe! One of my favourites:)
I love how easy this recipe is!
I have never had this before but I love how simple it looks. Thanks so much for sharing!
Yum! This Authentic aglio olio recipe is making my tummy growl! I feel so hungry right now.