Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Classic Italian pantry pasta with golden garlic, olive oil, chili and parsley.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 20 min
Technique to learn
Emulsifying with pasta water
Starchy pasta water whisked into oil off the heat binds into a light, glossy sauce that clings to the noodles instead of pooling as grease.
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until 1 minute short of al dente.
Step 2: Meanwhile, put the olive oil and garlic in a cold skillet. Warm over medium-low heat for 4–6 minutes, until the garlic is pale gold.
Step 3: Add the chili flakes and turn off the heat.
Step 4: Reserve 250 ml pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 5: Return the skillet to medium heat, add the pasta and 120 ml pasta water, and toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce turns glossy. Add more water if needed.
Step 6: Toss in the parsley and lemon zest, and season with salt.
Cooking tips
- Starting the garlic in cold oil gives you more control; pull it off the heat the moment it turns golden.