Print

Easy No-Shop Pantry Pasta Aglio e Olio

easy no-shop pantry pasta aglio e olio - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting pasta dish made with simple pantry staples like garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti. Perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without a shopping trip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti (or any long pasta)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (80 ml)
  • 4–6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil: add about 1 tablespoon kosher salt to 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of water.
  2. Boil the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining.
  4. Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse.
  5. Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet.
  6. Add the sliced garlic and sauté slowly, stirring often, until golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Add red pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds to release their heat.
  8. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil.
  9. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water and toss well using tongs or a pasta fork until pasta is glossy and coated.
  10. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  11. Season to taste with additional salt if desired.
  12. Toss in chopped parsley for freshness if using.
  13. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Cook garlic low and slow to avoid burning and bitterness. Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to pasta. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese for a vegan option. Add raw minced garlic at the end for extra garlic punch if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Aglio e Olio, pasta, quick dinner, garlic pasta, pantry recipe, easy pasta, no-shop recipe

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-no-shop-pantry-pasta-aglio-e-olio-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/