Need dinner in a hurry? This 10-Minute Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil—known in Italy as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio—is the answer. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in less time than it takes to order takeout.
This classic Italian recipe is loved for its simplicity: golden garlic sautéed in extra-virgin olive oil, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, and finished with parsley, chili flakes, and Parmesan. It’s budget-friendly, comforting, and endlessly versatile—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
What Is Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil?
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a traditional Italian dish that proves less really is more. Just garlic, oil, and pasta—three humble ingredients that create a flavorful, satisfying meal in minutes.
Legend has it that Italian students and chefs alike relied on this dish when they needed something fast, affordable, and delicious. Today, it’s a global favorite thanks to its bold flavor and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in 10 minutes – perfect for weeknights.
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Budget-friendly – just a few pantry ingredients.
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Customizable – add parsley, chili flakes, or Parmesan to make it your own.
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Comfort food, Italian-style – simple, rustic, and full of flavor.
Ingredients for 10-Minute Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
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8 oz spaghetti
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4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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Salt to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil (Step by Step)
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Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
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Infuse the Oil – While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and sauté until lightly golden and fragrant (about 2 minutes). Do not burn!
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Combine Pasta & Oil – Add drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss well to coat in garlic oil.
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Adjust Texture – Stir in reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta.
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Season & Serve – Sprinkle with salt, parsley, chili flakes, and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Serving Ideas
Pair your spaghetti with:
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A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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A simple Caprese (tomato, mozzarella, basil)
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A warm bowl of minestrone soup
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A glass of white wine, lemonade, or iced tea
Tips for Perfect Pasta
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Use quality olive oil—it’s the star ingredient.
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Cook pasta al dente for the best bite.
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Don’t rush the garlic—golden, not burnt, gives the best flavor.
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Add extras like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or pine nuts for variation.
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or water.
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Freeze for up to 1 month (thaw overnight before reheating).
Final Bite
This 10-Minute Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil is proof that the simplest recipes are often the best. Quick, affordable, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want on repeat. Perfect for busy nights—or whenever you’re craving authentic Italian comfort food.
10-Minute Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil Use high-quality for best flavor.
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Cooking Process
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and spaghetti, cooking according to package instructions until al dente (around 8-10 minutes).
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil and toss to combine.
- If the pasta seems too dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add salt, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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