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–+ servings

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio - Pasta with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Fresh Herbs

This pasta recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio with olive oil and garlic, paired fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and mint is sure to become a favorite! Add in freshly grated parmesan cheese and a bit of crushed red pepper to give it a little kick.
Mary Woita
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Serving Size 6

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb spaghetti noodles
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 large garlic cloves chopped
  • ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper or more to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Italian flat leaf parsley chopped
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
  • pinch of salt or more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water
  • more freshly shredded pecorino or parmesan cheese for top of pasta if desired

Instructions

  • Start by boiling your water for your spaghetti. Follow the package instructions, cooking the pasta to al dente. Be sure to salt the pasta water!
  • While the pasta is cooking, begin to chop up the garlic and all of the herbs.
  • When the pasta is nearly finished cooking, with approximately 2-3 minutes left, start to heat the oil on medium heat.
  • Add the garlic to the oil and cook until it is fragrant or until just before it is toasted. Be careful not to over cook or burn the garlic which will make it bitter.
  • Next, add the red pepper flakes to the oil and give it a quick stir.
    Add the pasta noodles to the garlic oil. I just use a pasta ladle and add directly to my saute pan with the garlic oil. This helps carry over some of the pasta water too which is needed for the oil to help stick to the noodles.
  • If you want to drain your pasta instead, be sure to reserve about 2 tablespoons of pasta water and add it in with the garlic oil "sauce".
  • Add the herbs, pinch of salt, and parmesan or pecorino cheese to the pasta and garlic oil, give it a good toss to mix together.
  • Remove the pasta from the saute pan and add to a platter or large bowl.
  • Add additional cheese on top if desired.
  • Serve & enjoy!

Notes

Serve pasta immediately after cooking.