5-Minute One-Pan Pasta Aglio e Olio
Make 5-Minute One-Pan Pasta Aglio e Olio with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. This simple Italian pantry dinner is elegant, flavorful, and ready in minutes using just 6 ingredients.
Method
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 3 minutes (use angel hair for fastest cooking).
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until garlic is golden.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Add pasta directly to the garlic oil and toss vigorously.
- Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, tossing to create a silky sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot.
This 5-Minute One-Pan Pasta Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian comfort dish made with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and perfectly cooked pasta — all prepared in one pan. Inspired by traditional Roman cuisine, this simple yet elegant recipe transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.
With just 6 basic ingredients, this pasta delivers bold flavor from golden sautéed garlic, silky olive oil, and a gentle kick of red chili flakes. The starch from the pasta water creates a light, glossy sauce that coats every strand beautifully.
Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when you need a quick vegetarian meal, this easy aglio e olio recipe proves that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor.
If you’re looking for a fast, affordable, and authentic Italian-style pasta dinner, this 5-minute one-pan recipe is a must-try.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 420 kcal
- Protein
- 14 g
- Carbs
- 52 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
- Sugar
- 2 g
- Sodium
- 380 mg
Values are estimates based on USDA FoodData Central and vary with brands and portioning.
Chef notes
Slice garlic thin for even cooking and maximum flavor. Never let garlic turn brown - remove from heat immediately if it starts to darken. The pasta water starch is the secret to the creamy sauce.
Substitutions
- Spaghetti: Linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta — Olive oil: Must be good quality - this is the star|Parmesan: Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor
Serving suggestions
Serve with a side salad and crusty bread. Pairs beautifully with white wine. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Storage
Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 days. Best eaten fresh.
Reheating
Add a splash of olive oil and pasta water, toss in a hot pan for 2 minutes. Microwave with a damp paper towel.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Tongs or pasta fork
Variations
- Shrimp Aglio e Olio
- Add sautéed shrimp
- Lemon Pasta
- Add lemon zest and juice
- Mushroom Version
- Add sliced mushrooms to garlic oil
Why it works
The starchy pasta water emulsifies with olive oil to create a silky coating on each strand. Thinly sliced garlic infuses the oil evenly while red pepper flakes add gentle heat.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my aglio e olio dry?
You need more pasta water - add it tablespoon by tablespoon while tossing
Can I use jarred garlic?
Fresh garlic is essential - jarred won't give the same flavor
Is this dish vegan?
Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for vegan version
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