Skip to Content
Recipes

The Simple Perfection of Pasta Aglio e Olio

Our Editor-in-Chief offers a recipe for Pasta Aglio e Olio on the podcast "Beyond The Burner" championing the simplicity of Italian cuisine.

10:00 AM EST on February 28, 2025

Pasta Aglio e Olio by Andrew Cotto. Photo courtesy of Erika Katz.

Pasta Aglio e Olio by Andrew Cotto. Photo courtesy of Erika Katz.

I love pasta agio e olio. The simple perfection of three essential Italian ingredients speaks to the exceptionalism of la cucina italiana.

I was so happy to attest to this brilliance on my recent appearance on the Beyond The Burner podcast, discussing, among other things, the benefits of Italian ingredients and the wellness they foster.

The episode is here with the recipe below:

Pasta Aglio e Olio

Pasta Aglio e Olio

Recipe by Andrew Cotto
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 “everyday” extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • high quality EVOO (for anointing at the end)

  • 1 lb. 1 dry spaghetti or any long pasta

  • 5 cloves 5 garlic, peeled (germ removed from the center, if present) and sliced very thin

  • 1 teaspoon 1 red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons 2 minced flat-leaf parsely

  • grated Parmigiano or Pecorino cheese (to taste, optional)

  • Kosher salt

Directions

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil.
  • Add a palm-full of salt (about a 1/4 cup).
  • Add the pasta, stir until a boil returns.
  • Set the timer for four minutes short of package instructions for “al dente.”
  • Add the olive oil and garlic to a cold, large saute pan.
  • When the timer goes off, turn on the flame to medium-low and allow the garlic to warm in the olive oil (do not let it burn!) for two minutes.
  • Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
  • Transfer the pasta from the boiling water directly to the pan.
  • Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to the pan.
  • Toss thoroughly until the pasta absorbs the water and has a nice sheen.
  • Off the heat, anoint with the high-quality EVOO, add the parsley (and cheese, if using), toss and serve.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

This Week in Italian Food News: New Restaurant Openings & More (July 31)

Big cities, bold ideas, and one unforgettable dinner are leading this week's Italian food headlines.

July 31, 2026

The 15-Minute Basil Pasta Sauce I Make All Summer Long 

A garden overflowing with herbs is all the inspiration this timeless Italian pasta dish needs.

July 31, 2026

Pasta School with Lowcountry Bella: The Heart of Fresh Pasta

The journey to mastering fresh pasta starts with a deceptively simple dough that has shaped Italian cooking for centuries.

July 31, 2026

Erica D’Arcangelo on the Family History That Inspired A Story About Pizza

Inspired by generations of family history, the author explains why some stories deserve to be passed on.

Italian Pistachio Pesto Recipe Inspired by Lake Garda

A simple homemade pesto with pistachios, fresh basil, and lemon for a rich twist on the Italian classic.

July 30, 2026

Positive Influencer: Chef Stefani Poci

The Italian-Canadian creator shares how family traditions shaped her love of cooking.

July 30, 2026