Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: The Lazy Genius Pasta You Need Tonight

You’re tired. Hungry. Maybe a little broke.

The fridge is empty except for that sad half-lemon and a questionable clove of garlic. Enter Spaghetti Aglio e Olio—the 5-ingredient, 15-minute pasta that’s saved more dinners than Uber Eats. No fancy skills, no obscure ingredients, just stupidly good food.

It’s the culinary equivalent of a mic drop. Why order takeout when you can out-cook most restaurants with zero effort? Let’s fix your life.

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Why This Recipe Works (Spoiler: It’s Magic)

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This dish is the ultimate proof that less is more. Garlic and olive oil transform into a golden, fragrant sauce that clings to al dente pasta.

Chili flakes add heat, parsley brings freshness, and pasta water turns it all into a glossy, restaurant-worthy coating. It’s cheap, fast, and scales from “I’m alone with my regrets” to “impressing my in-laws” without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients: The Fab Five

  • Spaghetti (200g/7oz for 2 people, or go wild)
  • Garlic (4-5 cloves, thinly sliced—no lazy chopping)
  • Olive oil (1/3 cup, the good stuff)
  • Red chili flakes (1/2 tsp, or more if you like pain)
  • Fresh parsley (handful, chopped, because green = healthy)
  • Salt (for pasta water and to taste)
  • Parmesan (optional, but highly encouraged)

Step-by-Step: Foolproof in 15 Minutes

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  1. Boil the pasta. Salt the water like the Mediterranean. Cook spaghetti 1 minute less than the package says—it’ll finish in the sauce.
  2. Infuse the oil. Heat olive oil on low, add garlic and chili flakes.

    Cook until garlic is golden (not brown, unless you enjoy bitterness).


  3. Rescue 1/2 cup pasta water. This is liquid gold for emulsifying the sauce.
  4. Toss it all together. Add drained pasta to the oil, splash in pasta water, and stir like you mean it. The starch will thicken everything.
  5. Finish with parsley and cheese. Stir, taste, adjust salt, and pretend you’re in Naples.

Storage: Because Leftovers Happen

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water or oil to revive the sauce.

FYI, it won’t be quite as good, but still beats microwave meals.

Why This Recipe is a Life Hack

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  • Budget-friendly: Costs less than a latte.
  • Quick: Faster than arguing about what to order.
  • Customizable: Add protein, veggies, or more garlic (always more garlic).
  • Impressive: People will think you’re a chef. Let them.

Common Mistakes (Don’t Be That Person)

  • Burnt garlic: Low heat is key unless you enjoy acrid disappointment.
  • Overcooked pasta: It keeps cooking in the sauce—undercook it slightly.
  • Skipping pasta water: This isn’t optional. Science demands it.
  • Using pre-minced garlic: Just… no.

    Fresh or bust.


Alternatives: Because Rules Are Fake

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  • Protein: Add shrimp, chicken, or crispy pancetta.
  • Veggies: Toss in spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
  • Pasta swaps: Linguine, bucatini, or gluten-free noodles work.
  • Extra luxury: Finish with a pat of butter or lemon zest.

FAQ

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Technically? Yes. Should you?

Absolutely not. Powder won’t infuse the oil the same way, and the texture will be sad. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here.

Why is my sauce oily and not creamy?

You didn’t use enough pasta water or didn’t stir aggressively enough.

The starch in the water emulsifies the oil—think of it as your culinary wingman.

Can I make this vegan?

It’s already vegan if you skip the cheese (but why would you?). For extra credit, add nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe.

How do I know when the garlic is done?

It should be lightly golden and smell like heaven. If it’s brown, you’ve crossed into bitter territory.

Start over or embrace the darkness.

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is the ultimate kitchen cheat code. It’s proof that great food doesn’t need complexity—just quality ingredients and a little confidence. Next time you’re staring into the abyss of your fridge, remember: garlic, oil, and pasta water can save the day.

Now go cook. And maybe buy more garlic.

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