September 15, 2025
Greetings!
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stay with you. Pasta Aglio e Olio is one of those dishes. You might remember it from the movie Chef, when Jon Favreau's character makes this luscious, garlicky pasta that looks so good it almost steals the show.
Created by Roy Choi, the chef behind Kogi BBQ, this version is fast, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly. With just garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon, you'll have a dish that is comforting yet elegant in under 20 minutes.
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Anisa
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Today's Recipe: Pasta Aglio e Olio
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Recipe:
1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the red pepper flakes, then add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the garlicky oil.
4. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta is glossy and saucy.
5. Finish with lemon juice, zest, parsley, and black pepper. Serve with Parmesan if you like.
Try It and Tell Me:
Do you like your Aglio e Olio with a big squeeze of lemon, or do you keep it more traditional? Share how you plate yours.
Extra Toppings: A Handy Kitchen Tip
When slicing garlic for this recipe, use a sharp knife and cut the cloves evenly so they cook at the same rate. Garlic can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep the heat moderate and your eye on the pan. Burnt garlic will turn the sauce bitter.
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