Pasta "Aglio Ed Olio"
A simple, flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring garlic, olive oil, and parsley, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that highlights clean, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat, adding minced garlic.
- Stir often until the garlic turns golden, but not burned.
- Cook capellini until it's al dente, then drain it well.
- Toss the drained pasta with the garlic oil, coarsely ground pepper, chopped parsley, and grated cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To elevate your Aglio Ed Olio, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or substituting half of the olive oil with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer whole wheat pasta, it can be used instead of capellini. Fresh herbs can also enhance the dish, try adding basil or oregano alongside the parsley. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Pasta Aglio Ed Olio with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Potato Wedgies or a light side salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top. A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil or water to the pasta and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta "Aglio Ed Olio" contains roughly 281 calories, with 11g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Aglio Ed Olio without cheese?
Absolutely! You can enjoy a delicious vegan version of Aglio Ed Olio by simply omitting the cheese. The dish's flavor comes primarily from the garlic and olive oil, so it remains satisfying without dairy. You might consider sprinkling nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While capellini is traditional for Aglio Ed Olio, you can also use spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine if you prefer a thicker noodle. The key is to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Aglio Ed Olio, include red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust according to your spice tolerance. You can also sauté some finely chopped fresh chili peppers with the garlic for an extra kick, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).