Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, or until it is al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining it. This pasta water is a key component in creating a silky sauce that clings to the noodles later on.

After draining the pasta, set it aside, keeping the reserved pasta water nearby for when it’s time to combine everything.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté it gently. Stir the garlic frequently to prevent it from burning. The goal is to cook the garlic slowly until it becomes fragrant and turns a golden brown color—this releases its natural oils and flavors.

Be cautious during this step. Garlic can burn very quickly, and once it does, it will become bitter and ruin the dish. Keep a close eye on it, and if the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

Step 3: Add the Red Pepper Flakes

Once the garlic has turned golden and fragrant, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. The red pepper flakes will infuse the oil with a pleasant heat, giving the dish its signature spiciness. Stir the oil and garlic to evenly distribute the heat from the pepper flakes. If you like your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes, but it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Garlic Oil

Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil mixture. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the pasta, ensuring that it is evenly coated in the garlic oil. If the pasta feels a little dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water (a couple of tablespoons at a time) to help the sauce coat the pasta and create a silky texture. The pasta water has natural starches that will help bind the oil to the pasta.

Continue tossing the pasta in the garlic oil for a few minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Once the pasta is well coated in the garlic oil sauce, it’s time to season. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything another toss to incorporate the seasoning.

Next, stir in the freshly chopped parsley, which will add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor that brightens up the dish. If you’re using lemon zest, add it at this stage as well for a citrusy lift. It adds a delightful freshness that balances out the richness of the garlic and olive oil.

For those who enjoy cheese, sprinkle some Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the pasta for a touch of creaminess and saltiness.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Divide the pasta into individual plates or bowls, making sure to spoon some of the garlic oil and crispy garlic bits over the top for extra flavor.

Serve your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio immediately while it’s still hot, and enjoy the fragrant aroma and bold flavors.