Are you craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes? Look no further than the classic Angel Hair Aglio Olio - a stunning Italian recipe that proves culinary magic happens with just a few simple ingredients! This mouthwatering dish transforms humble garlic, olive oil, and pasta into a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy, without requiring professional chef skills.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of angel hair pasta, 4 cloves of garlic (sliced), 1/2 cup of olive oil, 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes, salt to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the angel hair pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced garlic.
- Sauté the garlic in the olive oil for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Once the garlic is ready, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt to taste and toss again to combine all the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious Angel Hair Aglio Olio!
Tips
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil - it makes a massive difference in the final flavor profile.
- Slice garlic thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent burning.
- Always keep your pasta water - its starchy essence helps create a silky sauce texture.
- Watch your garlic closely while sautéing; golden is delicious, but burnt is bitter.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the pasta at its most tender and flavorful moment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
