Pasta e Olio

Pasta e Olio ~

Spaghetti tossed in garlic, olive oil, butter, and Parmesan for a rich and flavorful dish that’s simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Garlic and Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe

The beauty of this classic pasta dinner is in its simplicity. With just a few basic pantry staples, you can make a flavorful, satisfying, budget-friendly meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels like comfort food but comes together in no time!

Pasta e Olio: A Traditional Italian Dish

Pasta e Olio, also known as Pasta with Olive Oil, is a classic Italian recipe made with just a few simple ingredients: olive oil, garlic, and sometimes red pepper flakes. It’s a dish that highlights the quality of its ingredients, creating a rich, flavorful pasta without much fuss. It’s also a great representation of Italian cooking, which often relies on simplicity and technique to create satisfying meals with minimal effort.

While traditional Pasta e Olio inspires this recipe, it takes it a step further with the addition of butter and Parmesan cheese, making it a bit more indulgent. The butter adds a creamy, rich texture that enhances the olive oil, while the Parmesan gives the dish a nice, savory depth. This twist still keeps the essence of Pasta e Olio, where the olive oil and garlic are the stars, but with the added richness and comfort of butter and cheese. Whether you’re craving a simple, lighter meal or a heartier version, this recipe is an easy and satisfying variation of the classic.

Ingredients for Pasta e Olio

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes

• Spaghetti: While I use traditional spaghetti here, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer. 
• Olive Oil and Butter: The olive oil gives the dish a nice, fruity base, while the butter adds a rich, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use just olive oil alone.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is always best for this recipe. For a dairy-free version, plant-based parmesan cheese works just as well.

How to Make Pasta Olio

STEP ONE: Cook the Spaghetti. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

STEP TWO: Sauté the Garlic. In a large skillet over low heat, combine the olive oil, garlic, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the garlic.

STEP THREE: Toss the Pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic mixture. Toss to coat the spaghetti in the flavorful oil and garlic. Stir in the melted butter until everything is well combined.

STEP FOUR: Finish and Serve. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.