Name: Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti; 1 tsp salt (for pasta water); ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the spaghetti); 1 bulb garlic (about 20 cloves, peeled and sliced thin); ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; ½ tsp cracked red pepper flakes; ½ cup olive oil; ½ tsp salt (for sautéing garlic); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp Italian parsley, chopped; 2 Tbsp lemon juice

If you’ve ever wanted to master a simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish, you’re in the right place. This Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe is one of those no-fuss, all-wow dinners that I keep returning to whenever I crave comfort food with a bit of a gourmet twist. It’s super quick, relies on pantry staples, and the garlic infusion is just magical—you’ll find that every bite bursts with aroma and flavor without overwhelming you.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Garlic Flavor: Using a whole bulb of thinly sliced garlic gently infused in olive oil creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
Simple but Elegant: Just a handful of ingredients come together effortlessly for a classic Italian dish that feels special.
Quick and Pantry-Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without fuss or fancy shopping.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice with red pepper flakes, making it mild or zesty depending on your mood.

A white pan filled with a single layer of thin spaghetti pasta cooked and mixed with small bits of white garlic and red chili flakes spread throughout. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The pan rests on a white marbled surface next to a blue and white striped cloth, with fresh parsley and some shredded cheese partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, garlic pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, quick garlic spaghetti, flavorful garlic pasta dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old friends. The spaghetti acts as the perfect canvas, while the garlic, oil, and cheese work in harmony to elevate the dish. When shopping, pick the freshest garlic you can find—it really makes a difference, and good quality olive oil is non-negotiable here.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked spaghetti strands neatly arranged, a whole bulb of garlic with some cloves peeled and thinly sliced, a few whole black peppercorns and some crushed red pepper flakes scattered gently, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a few fresh sprigs of vibrant Italian parsley, a small white bowl containing freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white bowl with clear pasta water, and a small pile of coarse sea salt crystals all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, garlic pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, quick garlic spaghetti, flavorful garlic pasta dish

Spaghetti: Choose good-quality durum wheat pasta for that perfect al dente bite.
Salt: Used both in the pasta water and lightly in the sauce for balanced seasoning.
Garlic: About 20 cloves sliced thin—this is where the magic happens, so don’t skimp!
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity beyond just saltiness.
Cracked red pepper flakes: Adjustable for your favorite spice level; the perfect kick.
Olive oil: Extra virgin is best to gently infuse the garlic and coat the pasta.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For creamy umami richness that melts beautifully into the pasta.
Italian parsley: Freshness and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
Lemon juice: I love the subtle acidity that cuts through and lifts all the flavors.
Pasta water: Reserved to loosen the sauce and help it stick perfectly to the noodles.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve tried a few different takes on this dish depending on what’s in my pantry or season—go ahead and make it yours! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and I encourage you to experiment a bit to find your favorite twist.

Adding Protein: Sometimes I toss in sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for a more filling meal that still keeps the garlic flavor front and center.
Vegan Version: Skip the Parmesan and sprinkle nutritional yeast instead—it adds that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Herbs Swap: Fresh basil or oregano can replace parsley for a slightly different herbal note that’s just as fresh.
More Citrus: A zest of lemon rind can add a bright twist alongside the juice, which I found really perks up the flavor in summer.

How to Make Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by setting a large pot of water to boil and adding ½ teaspoon of salt—this seasons the pasta from the inside as it cooks. When the water’s at a rolling boil, add 1 pound of spaghetti and cook it until just al dente, about 10 minutes. Be sure to taste before draining so it has a bit of bite and doesn’t get mushy. Reserve about ¼ cup of that starchy pasta water before you strain the noodles.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Oil Infusion

While the pasta cooks, heat ½ cup of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add your beautifully thinly sliced garlic cloves, a ¼ teaspoon of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir gently and cook until you can smell that heavenly garlic aroma—about 2 minutes. Keep a close eye so the garlic doesn’t burn, as that will make the dish bitter.

Step 3: Toss Pasta in Garlic Oil

Immediately add your drained spaghetti right into the saucepan with the garlic-infused oil. Toss everything together thoroughly to make sure every single strand is coated in that golden, flavorful oil.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Herbs, and Lemon

Now add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, a tablespoon of chopped Italian parsley, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of that reserved pasta water. Toss everything again so the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce and clings to the noodles. If the pasta looks a little dry, add a bit more pasta water until you reach your perfect silky texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

Thinly Slice Garlic: I learned that slicing the garlic as thin as you can lets it gently flavor the oil without burning, giving a mellow garlic aroma rather than bitterness.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is pure gold for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles—never skip this step!
Control The Heat: I add red pepper flakes gradually so you can adjust the spice exactly to your liking rather than risking overpowering the dish.
Avoid Overcooking Pasta: To keep that perfect bite, drain your spaghetti as soon as it’s al dente and don’t rinse—it helps the sauce stick better.

How to Serve Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe

Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

Personally, I love a little extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan right at the table, plus a scattering of fresh parsley for color and freshness. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top before serving adds a beautiful sheen and richness. Sometimes I add a few lemon wedges on the side for guests who want a brighter citrus kick.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover oil. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the pasta’s simplicity and add a nice texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress, I twirl the spaghetti into neat nests in warmed bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. For a family dinner, I often serve it family-style in a big rustic bowl with extra parsley and cheese sprinkled all over. It’s simple but looks stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though my family rarely does!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together so the flavors mingle, but don’t add any extra cheese or lemon until reheating.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze this pasta because the olive oil and lemon juice can change texture when thawed, but if you must, freeze it without the cheese and lemon, then add those fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or more olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the pasta from drying out. Finish with fresh grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair pasta. Just adjust cooking times so they don’t overcook, and keep the garlic infusion technique the same for maximum flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium-low heat and keep stirring gently. Thin slices help it cook evenly. Once the garlic becomes fragrant and a light golden color—usually about 2 minutes—it’s time to add the pasta. Burning happens quickly if the heat is too high, so watch closely!
Is this recipe very spicy?

That depends on your red pepper flake preference. I start with ½ teaspoon and adjust from there. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in, so go slow if you’re sensitive to heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or pasta. Cooking times might vary slightly, so taste test for al dente, but all other steps remain the same and the garlic oil infusion works beautifully with gluten-free pasta.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch released during cooking and helps loosen the sauce while making it stick to each strand of spaghetti. It’s a simple trick that makes your aglio e olio luscious rather than dry or clumpy.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe turns out every single time—it’s simple, elegant, and unbeatable for fast weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. When I first tried making it, I didn’t expect such bold flavors from just a few ingredients, but the secret really is in that garlic-infused olive oil and careful seasoning. Trust me, once you master this, it’ll become your go-to pasta for anytime you want something cozy, fresh, and utterly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!