Spaghetti aglio e olio

Tips: Get the best spaghetti aglio e olio

Improve your cooking skills and add an Italian touch to your kitchen with our tips.

Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil

Select a top-tier extra virgin olive oil for your spaghetti aglio e olio. This oil forms the sauce's foundation and infuses the dish with distinct flavours that blend well with garlic and chilli flakes. You can sample a variety of high-quality olive oils to find the one that best enhances the flavours of your ingredients.

Avoid overcooked garlic

Watch your garlic closely as it fries to prevent a bitter taste. Aim for a light golden colour and remove the pan from the heat immediately if the garlic darkens too quickly. Use fresh, thinly sliced garlic. If the garlic starts to burn, discard it and start again with fresh oil and garlic to preserve the dish's flavour.

Make classic spaghetti aglio e olio

Try your hand at an Italian classic with our tasty spaghetti aglio e olio recipe. This dish is renowned for its simple ingredients that come together to create a savoury and slightly spicy dish. It is perfect for those seeking an easy-to-make dish with plenty of flavour.

Pasta dishes tend to be popular, so why not explore more recipes? We recommend a classic pasta carbonara, spaghetti pesto, or spaghetti with spicy prawns.

Rich garlic flavour and subtle heat from chilli flakes

The secret to a delicious spaghetti aglio e olio lies in the harmonious blend of rich garlic flavour and the gentle heat from chilli flakes. The garlic is cut into thin slices and sautéed in olive oil until it achieves a golden-brown colour, releasing its aromatic oils. Chilli flakes add a subtle but invigorating warmth, perfectly balancing the savoury notes of the dish with a hint of spiciness. This combination, though simple, is wonderfully delicious.

Topped with fresh parsley and finely grated cheese

Spaghetti aglio e olio is the perfect dish to garnish with beautiful and tasty toppings. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta to add a bit of colour and freshness. The light, herbaceous notes from parsley help balance the rich garlic and olive oil. As with many pasta dishes, we garnish with some finely grated cheese for a final flourish.

Pair with complementary side dishes

Spaghetti aglio e olio can easily stand on its own, but it also pairs well with various sides for a fuller meal. Consider trying a light salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Opt for a simple Italian salad with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and lemon for a palate cleanser. If you are after a heartier experience, try roasting vegetables like aubergine, red peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and caramelised edges blend well with the pasta's simple flavours.

For a savoury touch, go with grilled meats like chicken or fish. A grilled chicken breast or sea bass fillet can turn the dish into one fit for special occasions. Similarly, adding grilled seafood such as prawns or calamari brings a Mediterranean flair.

Put your own spin on it

Adjust the heat to suit the palate. Those who prefer less spice can use fewer chilli flakes, while others might enjoy an extra pinch for more zing. The timing of when you add the chilli flakes also influences the dish's heat intensity. Adding them early allows the heat to gently infuse the oil while adding them later results in a bolder flavour. 

Feel free to experiment with secondary ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or sautéed spinach without compromising the dish's rustic appeal. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy flavour, while the olives introduce bold, briny notes that enhance the spaghetti. Both integrate seamlessly. Sautéed spinach contributes a deep green colour and fresh, earthy flavours that balance the spiciness beautifully.