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Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta Aglio e Olio Recipe for Quick Summer Meals

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A simple, quick, and flavorful pasta dish made with just five ingredients, perfect for light summer dinners. This recipe balances garlicky warmth with olive oil richness for a comforting yet easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or linguine
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, for pasta water)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of sea salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup (60 ml) of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Cook gently, stirring often, for about 3-5 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic oil. Use tongs to toss and coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (start with 2 tablespoons and add as needed) to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
  4. Stir in 1/4 cup (packed) chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Season with freshly ground black pepper and more salt if needed. Toss everything together for another minute on low heat to marry the flavors.
  5. Plate the pasta warm. Optionally, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for a glossy finish. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright touch.

Notes

Be careful not to burn the garlic; cook it on medium-low heat and stir frequently. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh chili flakes for better flavor. Serve immediately for best taste. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of olive oil or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta, Aglio e Olio, Easy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Summer Meals, Garlic Pasta, Olive Oil Pasta, 5-Ingredient Recipe

Find it online: https://grubella.com/easy-5-ingredient-pasta-aglio-e-olio-recipe-for-quick-summer-meals/