Spaghetti Al Olio
A quick and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring garlic, capers, anchovies, and parsley, perfect for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors in a simple meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all sauce ingredients in a frypan.
- Cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Mash with a fork to break up anchovies and capers.
- Add 1/3 cup of water and cook slowly for about 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring garlic doesn't burn.
- Pour the sauce over cooked spaghetti.
- Add lots of grated cheese before serving.
- Save a little boiled water from spaghetti if the dish is too dry, as grated cheese can be drying.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Spaghetti Al Olio, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. If you don’t have capers, olives can be a suitable substitute. For a vegetarian version, skip the anchovies and use a bit of sea salt or miso for umami. Always taste as you go to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spaghetti Al Olio with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of Italian Spinach Bread for a complete meal. A crisp green salad pairs well, balancing the richness of the dish. For a more substantial lunch, consider serving it alongside Broccoli Blue Cheese Fettucine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the spaghetti from drying out, and warm it gently in a pan over low heat. You can also microwave it with a damp paper towel for moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Al Olio contains roughly 1151 calories, with 11g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
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 this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Spaghetti Al Olio vegetarian by omitting the anchovies. Instead, add some extra garlic and a pinch of salt or nutritional yeast to maintain a savory flavor without the fish.
What type of spaghetti should I use?
Traditionally, any long pasta like spaghetti works well. However, you can also use linguine or fettuccine if you prefer. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Spaghetti Al Olio, include red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. You can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance. A drizzle of chili oil before serving also enhances the heat.
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).