Aglio e Olio: Garlic-Infused Spaghetti
Delicious Aglio e Olio Pasta Made Easy and Quick
Hello everyone! Today, we’re diving into a classic Italian pasta dish, generously seasoned with garlic. Let’s get cooking and enjoy this simple yet incredibly flavorful Aglio e Olio!
Pasta Ingredients
- 2kg Spaghetti
- 200g Whole Garlic Cloves
- 2kg Pre-made Aglio e Olio Sauce
- 50g Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add about 1-2 tablespoons of salt and a splash of olive oil (this helps prevent the pasta from sticking). Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, but aim for about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time to achieve an ‘al dente’ texture. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1-2 cups of the starchy pasta water. This reserved water is crucial for achieving the right sauce consistency later on.
Step 2
Peel the whole garlic cloves and slice them thinly into slivers. Pour a generous amount of olive oil into a skillet – enough to submerge the garlic slices. Add the sliced garlic to the cold oil and place over low heat. Gently cook the garlic, stirring occasionally, until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Be careful not to burn it, as this will make it bitter. Slow cooking allows the garlic’s fragrant essence to infuse into the oil, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 3
Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, pour in the pre-made Aglio e Olio sauce. Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. As the sauce begins to thicken slightly, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta and sauce together, ensuring every strand is coated.
Step 4
Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, while tossing the pasta. This starchy water helps to emulsify the sauce, making it smoother and creating a beautiful glossy coating on the spaghetti. Finally, season generously with freshly ground black pepper. For a touch of heat, you can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes at this stage. These seasonings are key to building the rich, classic flavor of Aglio e Olio.
Step 5
Continue tossing until the pasta is well combined with the sauce and has reached your desired consistency. Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm bowls. Enjoy the aromatic garlic, rich olive oil, and perfectly cooked pasta of your homemade Aglio e Olio!
