So simple, yet so tasty, this olive oil pasta sauce or Spaghetti aglio e olio recipe is an easy meal you can whip up in no time on those busy evenings. This flavor packed recipe is full of sweet toasted garlic that pairs so nicely with the olive oil, basil and Parmesan.
Course
Main Course, Main Dish, Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine
American, Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword
How to cook spaghetti squash, Moroccan olive oil, olive oil, olive oil pasta, olive oil sauce, pasta with olive oil, spaghetti aglio e olio, spaghetti recipe
In a deep 9 inch skillet, start by making the breadcrumbs.
Add the mina olive oil to the skillet over medium heat and then go in with the breadcrumbs and remaining ingredients except for the basil. Toast the bread until it’s nice and golden. This should take around 7 minutes.
Once the bread crumbs have turned a beautiful golden color, add in the fresh basil and remove from the skillet onto a plate.
While the same skillet with a kitchen towel and start making the olive oil pasta sauce.
Over medium heat add the olive oil, garlic and seasoning. Toss for a couple of minutes and then add in the basil and continue cooking until the garlic slices turn a beige or pale yellow color.
Be careful not to overcook the garlic as it will turn bitter.
At that point add in the cooked spaghetti and toss it well with the olive oil sauce. Toss in some parmesan cheese and serve right away.
Top the spaghetti with bread crumbs and any extra garnishes you want. Serve right away and enjoy!!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe Tips
Start with quality Olive oil for this dish— remember it’s a pasta in olive oil sauce! I use Mina.
Make the bread crumb toping! It adds flavor and crunch to the pasta.
Cook your garlic on a low simmer as high heat will potentially burn the garlic.
It's best to slice your garlic instead of crushing it as it will cook better in olive oil without turnips bitter.
Fresh basil and Parmesan are optional, but they add just more flavor and freshness!
This pasta with olive oil is perfect on its own for lunch or dinner. But it also makes the absolute BEST side dish to any protein!
What goes well with Spaghetti aglio olio?
Lemon goes really nicely with this pasta dish, so if you like lemony flavors you can serve this dish with slices of lemon and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Herbs of any sorts: think fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano and of course basil! Nuts, I especially love pine nuts or walnuts toasted and added to this pasta in olive oil. If you’re looking to incorporate veggies to your pasta, think of adding roasted mushrooms, blistered tomatoes or broccoli. I would however avoid them and avoid any ingredient that would take away from the beautiful simple flavors of the dish.
Does Spaghetti aglio e olio have cheese?
Yes, this dish does have parmesan cheese with it and it really makes the dish something special. However, if you don't like cheese, or don't want it, you can still enjoy this recipe without the parmesan cheese.
What to serve with spaghetti aglio e olio
You don't really need to serve anything with this olive oil pasta recipe, however, if you do want something on the side then a lovely fresh salad compliments it perfectly. If you’re grilling, then grilled chicken, steak or salmon is another great way to serve the pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Spaghetti aglio e olio - Olive oil pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 500Calories from Fat 531
% Daily Value*
Fat 59g91%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g
Monounsaturated Fat 41g
Cholesterol 9mg3%
Sodium 724mg31%
Potassium 119mg3%
Carbohydrates 35g12%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 293IU6%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 194mg19%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.