Pasta Aglio e Olio with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Originating from the historic city of Naples, Pasta Aglio e Olio is a simple pasta dish that has been beloved by Italians for generations. With its name translating to “pasta with garlic and oil,” the magic lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients. The perfect Aglio e Olio recipe contains pasta noodles, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, parsley, and sometimes Parmesan cheese alongside a zest of lemon, to create a fragrant and delicious dish that combines a love of food with culture. While simply mixing these ingredients will create pasta, the best Aglio e Olio recipe is one that follows tradition. Continue reading if you want to learn how to make the perfect Aglio e Olio.  

How to make Pasta Aglio e Olio

While some Italian families have an Aglio Olio recipe they’ve passed down generationally, most follow the steps below to create this mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) of your preferred type of pasta
• 4 cloves of thinly sliced garlic
• ½ (120ml) of extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes—add more if you enjoy spice
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley—optional
• Grated Parmesan cheese—optional

Instructions:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your preferred type of pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain your pasta.     
Prepare the garlic and extra virgin olive oil mixture: While your pasta is cooking, heat your extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir until the mixture is fragrant and golden.      
Combine everything: Once your pasta is cooked and your mixture is made, add everything to the skillet to mix. Toss the pasta evenly and add some of your reserved cooking water to help create a silky sauce.      
Season and garnish: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chopped parsley.     
Serve: Transfer your completed dish to a serving plate and add grated Parmesan cheese.

On what occasions can you serve this Aglio e Olio recipe?

The best part about Pasta Aglio e Olio is that it’s incredibly versatile and easy to make, so it can be served on various occasions. Whether you need a quick work night meal or you’re having company this weekend, it’s always a good time to indulge in Pasta Aglio e Olio with virgin olive oil.  

Here are some other suggested occasions:

Weeknight dinner: Simply and quick to put together after work.     
Casual gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.     
Date night: A great flavor profile for a memorable evening.     
Potluck or picnic: Since this dish can be served hot or at room temperature, it’s easy to transport with larger outdoor gatherings.     
Comfort food cravings: Warm, filling, and so delicious, Pasta Aglio e Olio with virgin olive oil is the ultimate comfort food.  
 

Extra virgin olive oil by Big Paw Olive Oil Company

We pride ourselves on crafting the finest extra virgin olive oil, harvested from the groves of our family-owned orchards. With a commitment to quality and tradition, our olive oil brings the pure essence of Mediterranean flavor to your table.

As an exceptional choice for cooking due to its high smoke point and rich flavor profile, extra virgin olive oil is the perfect ingredient for creating in the kitchen. Whether you are sautéing, drying, or baking, it enhances the flavor variety, especially when extra virgin olive oil is used for pasta. Also, renowned for its numerous health benefits—an abundance of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties—regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve cholesterol levels, making it a valuable addition to any diet.     
 

Frequently Asked Questions

      
Can I use extra virgin olive oil for Aglio Olio?     
The best Aglio Olio recipe is one that uses extra virgin olive oil. This is because of its unmatched flavor combinations. Extra virgin olive oil adds distinctive notes to your cooking, boasting delicious aromas.

How can I make my Aglio Olio taste better?     
To enhance the flavor of your Aglio Olio recipe, consider using high-quality ingredients. This includes rich extra virgin olive oil purchased from us! By infusing our mixture(s) with your seasonings and fresh herbs, you can create an aromatic dish bursting with vibrant flavor. We also recommend that you add good-quality Parmesan cheese as a topper to your pasta dish!

What kind of olive oil to use for Aglio Olio?     
For Aglio Olio, extra virgin olive oil is the only way to go. Its rich flavor plays a central role in the dish, significantly enhancing the taste. When choosing extra virgin olive oil for pasta, consider the flavor profile. With so many options, you can get creative and add some depth to your Aglio e Olio recipe.

What goes well with Pasta Aglio e Olio?     
Whether you pair your pasta dish with garlic bread, grilled, veggies, or a fresh caprese salad, Pasta Aglio e Olio is easily paired with a wide variety of accompaniments.

How can I make my Aglio Olio taste better?     
High-quality, extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese are our top tips for those looking to make the best Aglio Olio recipe.