Spaghetti All'Olio
A simple, flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring garlic and parsley in olive oil, perfect for a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal with bold, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil and garlic in a frying pan.
- Cook until garlic is brown.
- If using olive oil, add about 1/4 cup water slowly to thin it out.
- Add parsley, pepper, and optional broccoli and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. If you're out of fresh parsley, dried parsley or even basil can work in a pinch. For a heartier dish, include some sautéed broccoli, which pairs beautifully with Spaghetti All'Olio. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be golden, not dark brown, to avoid bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spaghetti All'Olio with a sprinkle of extra parsley for freshness and a drizzle of olive oil. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements the dish well. For a more filling meal, pair it with a protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, or enjoy it alongside Italian recipes like Venetian Style Liver.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to help revive the dish. Avoid using high heat, as it can overcook the spaghetti and make it mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti All'Olio contains roughly 142 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% 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 use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the flavors of Spaghetti All'Olio with your favorite pasta.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it primarily uses olive oil, garlic, and spaghetti. Just ensure that the spaghetti is egg-free, which most dried pasta is. You can also enhance the dish by adding vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make Spaghetti All'Olio more filling, consider adding protein sources such as chickpeas or sautéed shrimp. You can also toss in roasted vegetables or a handful of spinach for extra nutrients. These additions create a balanced meal while maintaining the dish's simple flavors.
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).