Aglio e Olio
Aglio e olio is one of the most basic and easiest Italian recipes.
As the name suggests, the pasta is made with garlic (aglio) and oil (olio). The recipe originated from Naples and it’s very popular worldwide.
The two key ingredients are olive oil and garlic. Aglio e olio spaghetti is also speckled with red pepper flakes, which gives the recipe a subtle heat.
The oil, garlic and heat transform this simple pasta dish into a delicious and restaurant-quality meal that you can make at home!
Other Recipes You Might Like
Ingredients for Aglio e Olio Recipe
I made the recipe with shrimp. Here are the list of ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Tiger prawn or shrimp
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Aglio Olio Mean?
It is Italian for spaghetti with garlic and oil. You can find the basic recipe on Serious Eats.
Can I Use Vegetable Oil for Aglio e Olio Pasta?
No, using vegetable will result in a bland pasta. Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for this dish.
Do I Have to Use Tiger Prawn?
You can never go wrong with plump, fresh, and juicy tiger prawn on your pasta.
However, you can always use regular shrimp. I prefer shelled and deveined shrimp or tiger prawn, with tails on.
Can I Use Chicken?
Yes, you sure can use chicken instead of shrimp as the protein of choice.
How Many Calories Per Serving?
This recipe has 665 calories per serving.
What to Serve with this Recipe?
This meal is best served as a main entree with side dishes. For a wholesome Italian meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
5 Secrets to 20 Min Dinners
Get tricks for quick & easy meals!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio - easy delicious pasta with shrimp, olive oil, garlic and chili flakes. This aglio e olio recipe is as good as Italian restaurants!
Ingredients
- water for boiling
- 8 oz. (226 g) spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. (226 g) shelled, deveined tiger prawn or medium-sized shrimp, tail-on
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Save 3 tablespoons of the pasta water.
- Heat a skillet on medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds, add the shrimp, chili flakes and salt. Cook the shrimp until both sides turn white, then add the spaghetti and water into the skillet. Stir to combine well.
- Add the parsley into the skillet, stir to distribute well. Turn off the heat and add the Parmesan cheese. Dish out and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size
2 peopleAmount Per Serving Calories 665Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 148mgSodium 1361mgCarbohydrates 88gFiber 4gSugar 3gProtein 33g
Janice
I stumbled upon this recipe as I was looking for again olio recipe in my phone while in the grocery, bought the ingredients and cooking this tonight. Hope my family will love it. Thanks for sharing your recipe😊
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks!
Vicki Warr
I have made this a couple of times. This time I used linguine. I sauted the shrimp garlic and some onion and the parsley together In a skillet then added the shrimp. I browned some butter. Get that nutty flavor. Combine all and put grated mazithra cheese on top.Yummy
Presa1200
Try boil the pasta in water with one or two chicken stock cubes. It will brings out more flavor.
Sithra
Hi…Bee today i tried ur aglio olio. Its turn out super delicious….everyone loved ur recepi….tq❤?????
Rasa Malaysia
Yes, all my recipes are restaurant-worthy. Please try more recipes on my site: https://rasamalaysia.com/recipe-index-gallery/
Dj
It look so delicious but where can i get the italian parsley? can i use the bottle type?
A man would like to give a try ;)
Rasa Malaysia
You can use fresh parsley, doesn’t have to be Italian parsley if you can’t find it. Bottled dried ones are not as good.
Kathie
Thanks for sharing! All recipes are good that you have on this site. I have tried many and I keep coming back for more.
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Kathie, aww, you just made my day. Yes all my recipes are simple and delicious, please come back and try more: https://rasamalaysia.com/recipe-index-gallery/
Caroline
This looks and sounds amazing. I will be making this, I know they will love it. Thank you so much for sharing.
Anna
This recipe is really quick and easy and great for a weekday meal.
Grant Armstrong
Hi Bee,
I tried this recipe with a couple of variations which blew me away. I skipped the parmesan cheese and added the following ingredients. Green stuffed olives; and in addition to the collie flakes, I used two diced birds eye red chillies and half a dozens large Banana prawns caught in Western Australian waters. These prawns were a good 9 inches in length. Great recipe thanks.
Rasa Malaysia
Wow Grant, I want that banana prawns. Your version sounds super amazing, I am glad you enjoyed this recipe. :)
John of EastEnd
What are “collie flakes” ?
Grant ARMSTRONG
Hi John of EastEnd. I did not realise that the computer had made it’s own correction for the word “CHILLE” Flakes, and converted it to “Collie Flakes”
Sincere Apologies.
Grant
Thomas
Nice and wonderful spaghetti, will make this tonight, Thanks!
Grant ARMSTRONG
Simply BLOODY DELICIOUS. Thank you Bee
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks Grant. I am so glad you love this spaghetti aglio e olio.