Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a classic Italian dish known for its simplicity and rich flavor, can be prepared in just 10 minutes using only six ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Phil Bianchi, founder of The Gift of Oil, shares his expert recipe that guarantees a perfect result every time.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
According to Bianchi, the dish requires just six key ingredients: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, dried chilli flakes, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. He describes it as “the perfect recipe” that is both cost-effective and convenient, noting that “most of the ingredients are often staples in a kitchen cupboard.” A 500g packet of spaghetti can be purchased for as little as 28p in many supermarkets, making this an affordable meal option.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Bianchi’s recipe calls for 250g of spaghetti, 60ml of Sicilian olive oil, two sliced garlic cloves, half a teaspoon of dried chilli flakes, a handful of finely chopped parsley, 11g of Parmesan cheese, and salt to taste. The method begins with boiling salted water and cooking the spaghetti. Meanwhile, gently warm the olive oil in a frying pan, then add the sliced garlic and chilli flakes, cooking on low heat until the garlic turns a pale golden color. Bianchi warns: “Be careful not to heat the garlic and chilli for too long, as it could make it bitter!”
Expert Tips for Perfect Pasta
Once the garlic is golden, add the parsley, then the cooked and drained spaghetti. Bianchi recommends reserving some pasta water to add to the pan, as it “keeps the spaghetti nice and moist.” Toss the pasta in the seasoned oil over medium heat for about 30 seconds. Finish with additional parsley and a generous amount of grated Parmesan. For those without fresh Parmesan, cheddar can be used as a substitute, though Bianchi emphasizes that Parmesan or Pecorino offer creamy, umami flavors that balance the starchiness of the pasta perfectly.
