Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Green Olives
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Green Olives is a quick and flavorful Italian classic that brings together al dente spaghetti, fragrant garlic, and briny green olives in a delightful harmony. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes that transports you straight to the heart of Italy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the green olives and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic-olive mixture. Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp. Substitute green olives with black olives for a different flavor profile. Enhance freshness by adding cherry tomatoes or spinach.