How can I make my aglio olio taste better?

For a boost of flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and a squeeze of fresh lemon over your finished dish . Don't forget to salt the cooking water for your pasta. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Yes, in fact, we love using good quality bone broth for its depth of flavor.

What is the meaning of aglio e olio pasta?

Aglio e olio, meaning garlic and olive oil in Italy, is a simple pasta dish, though here Chef Keller elevates it by finishing it with garlic confit and bottarga.

Why is aglio e olio so good?

But if you've ever tried it, you know that spaghetti aglio e olio is far more than the sum of its parts. The garlic infuses the oil with rich, nutty flavor, and salty, starchy pasta cooking water transforms it into a deeply flavorful sauce . Add perfect al dente pasta to the mix, and it's absolute heaven.

Can I use butter instead of olive oil in aglio olio?

Absolutely! While olive oil is commonly used to cook pasta, you can indeed use butter instead . Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the pasta and can complement various sauces and ingredients.

Which olive oil is good for aglio olio?

Use a High Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil The fat will act as the vehicle in which the flavors of garlic, anchovies, and spicy pepper are delivered. Using a high quality extra virgin olive oil will add depth, layers, and richness to this dish that cannot be replicated by other cooking fats.

Do Italians eat aglio e olio?

Spaghetti aglio e olio (Italian: [spaˈɡetti ˈaʎʎo e ˈɔːljo]; lit. 'spaghetti [with] garlic and oil') is a pasta dish typical of the Italian city of Naples . It is a typical dish of Neapolitan cuisine and is widely popular.

What do you serve with aglio olio?

If I'm craving something fresh, a crunchy salad complements the rich and velvety sauce nicely. Lemon parmesan lettuce salad or panzanella salad both come to mind. If you want to serve this as a side dish, it would pair well with simple proteins like: Chicken Schnitzel, Italian-style baked chicken breasts or salmon.

Is aglio olio supposed to be tasteless?

Why is my pasta aglio olio tasteless? The main reason that your spaghetti aglio e olio is bland is not salting the pasta water properly . The salt not only adds flavor to the pasta but also to the pasta water which you'll be using to make the sauce.

How to chop garlic for aglio olio?

If it's going to be cooked for more than a few minutes anyway, I'd just crush the peeled cloves with the side of a Chef's knife and chop them up a fair bit . If it's going to get pureed or strained, I wouldn't even bother with that. Just crush the cloves, cut them in thirds or so and dump them in.

Why is my aglio olio dry?

Aglio olio is generally dry because the pasta has been over cooked, and not enough oil has been added . You can fix this problem but saving half the olive oil to drizzle on right at the end of cooking, or add a splash of pasta cooking water as you're cooking your garlic.

How do I make my pasta sauce more flavorful?

Maybe it needs a touch of salt, red pepper flakes, or some fresh garlic to liven it up. You could add dried or fresh herbs too: oregano, basil, thyme, tarragon, parsley—they're all great! Want to go next level? Toss in some chopped anchovies (or anchovy salt), olives, or some lemon zest and/or juice .

Penne Aglio e Olio - Easy Penne Pasta Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This penne aglio e olio is an easy twist on a classic pasta dish. Serve it as a simple side dish for chicken or as dinner for meatless Monday!

Penne Aglio e Olio - Easy Penne Pasta Recipe (1)

Like most of the world, I am on a quest to eat healthier (at least in January haha). I’m also on a quest to spend less time cooking dinner at night.

Wouldn’t it be nice to just relax after work.

So on my quick recipe journey, I went to pasta. It’s always my go-to quick meal ingredient.

A few ingredients later, I had unknowingly made pasta aglio e olio but with penne instead of spaghetti.

And boom, my new go-to quick and semi-healthy weeknight dinner.

What is “Aglio e Olio”?

Aglio e Olio means “garlic and oil.”

Traditionally, pasta aglio e olio is served with spaghetti noodles – spaghetti Aglio e olio is a traditional Italian pasta dish from Naples.

I, however, do not care for spaghetti.

Penne Aglio e Olio - Easy Penne Pasta Recipe (2)

Penne Aglio Olio Ingredients

Penne – Penne is the classic pasta shape used in this dish. It features a hollow tube with angled cuts at the ends, perfect for holding the flavorful sauce.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil is a fundamental component of this recipe, providing a rich and fruity flavor that forms the base of the sauce. Its quality elevates the entire dish. ** Higher quality olive oil = better flavor **

Minced Garlic – Minced garlic adds a robust and aromatic element to the sauce. It infuses the olive oil with its pungent and savory flavor, giving the dish its characteristic taste.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Crushed red pepper adds a delightful kick of heat to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile. The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference.

Kosher Salt – Kosher salt is used to season the pasta cooking water and enhance the dish’s overall savoriness. It ensures that the pasta and the sauce are perfectly seasoned.

Fresh Parsley – Fresh parsley, when chopped, provides a bright and herbaceous contrast to the richness of the olive oil and garlic. It adds freshness and color to the dish.

Lemon Zest – Lemon zest, finely grated lemon peel, is a finishing touch that brightens the dish with a hint of citrusy aroma and flavor. It adds a refreshing and zesty note.

Can I use pasta other than penne?

Yep! These are great substitutions:

rigatoni
spaghetti
rotini
linguine

Penne Aglio e Olio - Easy Penne Pasta Recipe (3)

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How to Make Penne Aglio e Olio

Begin by preparing the penne noodles according to the instructions on the box.

This typically involves boiling them in a pot of generously salted water until they reach the desired level of doneness.

However, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water just before draining. This reserved pasta water is crucial to help create a silky and cohesive sauce later.

While the penne noodles cook, take a large skillet and heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. As the oil warms, add the minced garlic to the skillet.

Sauté the garlic for approximately 2 minutes, stirring frequently. When you notice the edges of the garlic turning a lovely golden brown, it’s time to introduce the crushed red pepper.

Continue sautéing for 30 seconds. Then add the reserved pasta water to the skillet and gradually bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly, intensifying its taste.

Scroll down to see the full recipe below!

Add the cooked and drained penne noodles directly to the skillet with the sauce simmering. Toss the pasta carefully in the flavorful sauce, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated evenly.

This step allows the pasta to absorb the delicious garlic-infused olive oil and red pepper flavors.

Stir in the kosher salt and the diced fresh parsley. These ingredients season the dish and add a burst of color and freshness.

Allow the pasta to rest off the heat for an additional 5 minutes.

When it’s time to serve, top each portion of Penne Aglio Olio with freshly grated lemon zest.

Penne Aglio e Olio - Easy Penne Pasta Recipe (4)

What can I add to this easy pasta recipe?

The world is your oyster. Like with my chicken tagliatelle recipe, you can add anything.

Proteins

Shrimp – Sautéed shrimp adds a delightful seafood element, becoming tender and flavorful when cooked in garlic-infused olive oil.

Chicken – Thinly sliced and pan-seared chicken breast or thigh pieces offer a hearty and savory protein option that pairs well with garlic and olive oil.

Sausage – Sliced or crumbled cooked sausage, such as Italian or chorizo, introduces a rich and savory component with a touch of spice.

Bacon – Crispy bacon bits can bring a smoky and salty crunch to the dish, complementing the garlic and olive oil.

Tofu – For a vegetarian option, cubed and pan-fried tofu adds protein and a mild, creamy texture.

Vegetables

Mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms, like cremini or shiitake, offer an earthy and meaty texture that pairs beautifully with the garlic and olive oil.

Broccoli – Blanched or sautéed broccoli florets provide a vibrant green addition with a slightly crunchy texture.

Additional Ingredient Options

Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled over the finished dish for a rich and nutty flavor that beautifully complements the sauce.

Kalamata Olives – Sliced Kalamata olives bring a briny and salty element to the pasta.

Capers – Capers, when added sparingly, contribute a tangy and slightly piquant flavor that pairs well with the garlic and olive oil.

Anchovies – For a deep umami flavor, you can finely chop or mash a few anchovy fillets and sauté them with the garlic.

Lemon Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the dish and add a zesty and citrusy kick.

Pine Nuts – Toasted pine nuts provide a delicate crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the pasta’s richness.

Roasted Garlic – Roasting garlic cloves in the oven and then mashing them into a paste can give your Aglio e Olio a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.

Can I make this aglio e olio recipe spicy?

You can make this recipe spicy with an addition or too.

You can add more crushed red pepper flakes slowly until you get to the spiciness level you’re looking for.

A ¼ cup of finely diced jalapeño would easily give this dish a kick.

Looking for other pasta recipes? Try these:

Creamy Taco Pasta
Cheesy Tomato Pasta Skillet
Philly Cheesesteak Rotini