There's a reason aglio e olio — "garlic and oil" — has been a beloved Italian staple for generations. With just a few quality ingredients and about 20 minutes, you get a dish that's simple enough for a weeknight but good enough for company. The secret isn't technique; it's the ingredients. Great pasta, real extra virgin olive oil, and good garlic are what turn four humble items into something memorable.
Here's how to make it at home.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 lb spaghetti or bucatini
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp crushed red chili flakes (more if you like heat)
- Salt, to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmigiano and a squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just shy of al dente. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water — it's the key to a silky sauce.
- Warm the oil and garlic. While the pasta cooks, add the olive oil to a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes, and cook gently until the garlic turns pale gold and fragrant. Go slow here — burnt garlic turns bitter, so low and patient wins.
- Bring it together. Add the drained pasta straight into the pan with the oil. Toss well, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce turns glossy and coats every strand.
- Finish. Off the heat, stir in the parsley and a pinch more salt to taste. Add Parmigiano and a squeeze of lemon if you like. Serve right away, ideally with good bread to catch every last drop.
Buon appetito!
Make it with our pantry:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil — the heart of this dish; use one you'd be happy to taste on its own.
- Bucatini or Spaghetti — bronze-cut pasta grips the oil beautifully.
- Whole Calabrian Chili Peppers or chili flakes — for that gentle Italian heat.
Everything you need is available at Mamma Mia Italian Market — order online for local pickup or delivery, or stop by and see us in Sebring.