Olive oil pasta, often referred to as Pasta Aglio e Olio, is a classic Italian dish made with pasta, olive oil, garlic, and a few other ingredients. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

To prepare a basic olive oil pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

Pasta: Bucatini or any pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well).
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor.
Garlic: Freshly sliced or minced garlic adds depth to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a bright, herby finish.
Capers or Olives: Optional, but they provide a salty, briny flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: For a finishing touch (optional).

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to experiment with your olive oil pasta by adding:

Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for a nutritious boost.
Proteins: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can also enhance the flavor profile.

Cooking the Pasta

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Preparing the Olive Oil Sauce

Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat.
Sauté Garlic: Add thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Combine Ingredients: Add the reserved pasta water and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Tossing the Pasta

Mix Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the olive oil mixture. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy your olive oil pasta!

Use Quality Olive Oil: The flavor of your olive oil will greatly impact the dish, so opt for a high-quality extra virgin variety.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic should be fragrant and pale golden, not browned, to avoid bitterness.
Save the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adds creaminess.

Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?

Yes! While bucatini is a favorite, you can use any pasta shape, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne.

What Can I Add to Olive Oil Pasta?

You can enhance your dish with sautéed vegetables, proteins like chicken or shrimp, or even nuts for added texture.

How Should I Store Leftover Olive Oil Pasta?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of olive oil or water to loosen it up.

Olive oil pasta is a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that highlights the beauty of simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich flavors, and don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your taste! For more delicious recipes, explore options like Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic or Mediterranean Olive Oil Pasta to expand your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!