Easy Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe Under 2 Dollars Per Serving
A quick, budget-friendly Italian pasta dish featuring garlic, olive oil, spaghetti, and a touch of chili flakes. Simple, comforting, and ready in about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts (4 L) of water. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes. Stir often and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not browned.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Use tongs to transfer spaghetti directly into the garlic oil. Toss well to coat every strand.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, starting with about 1/4 cup (60 ml), stirring constantly to create a light sauce that clings to the pasta. Add more if needed, but do not make it soupy.
- Season with salt as needed. Toss in chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately. Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano if you like.
Notes
Cook garlic slowly over medium heat to avoid burning and bitterness. Reserve pasta water to emulsify the sauce and keep pasta silky. Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste. For dairy-free or vegan versions, omit cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: spaghetti aglio e olio, easy pasta recipe, budget-friendly dinner, garlic pasta, quick Italian meal, simple spaghetti, vegan pasta option