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.

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 from Appetito

Sunday Shop: Early June Favorites

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

June 7, 2026

Vespa World Days 2026 Tour Offers a New Way to Explore Rome

Small group rides will take participants through historic landmarks, local neighborhoods and some of the city's best panoramic views.

June 5, 2026

Where Stories, Dance, and the Fragrance of Tiella Meet

Author, dancer, and podcast host Anna Harsh shares the details of her children's book the explores dance, food and community.

June 5, 2026

Chef POV: Where I Shop for Ingredients, and You Can, too!

In the inaugural edition of CHEF POV, Paola Marocchi shares her favorite places to find essential Italian ingredients in NYC and online.

June 5, 2026

Piccolo MORINI Brings Pasta and Martinis to SOHO in NYC

An old New York favorite gets a new address, a new look and plenty of reasons to stay for another round.

Authentic Northern Italian Food at Denver’s Barolo Grill

For more than 30 years, Northern Italian traditions have shaped one of Denver's most celebrated dining experiences.

June 4, 2026
See all posts