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Quick Pasta Aglio e Olio Recipe with Crispy Breadcrumbs

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A quick and easy pasta aglio e olio with crispy breadcrumbs that adds a delightful crunch and bold garlic flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 4–6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1/2 cup (about 50 grams) stale breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt, for seasoning pasta water and to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup (50 grams) of breadcrumbs and stir frequently until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove breadcrumbs and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Lower heat to medium-low and add 4-6 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Cook gently until fragrant and just golden, about 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the garlic oil and stir briefly to combine.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs and chopped parsley over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
  7. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Cook garlic on medium-low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Toast breadcrumbs on medium heat with constant stirring to prevent burning. Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Add lemon zest or juice for brightness. Sprinkle Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta aglio e olio, quick pasta recipe, crispy breadcrumbs, garlic pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian pasta

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