Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a perfect solution for those days when you are out of time, energy or are short on ingredients. With only a few pantry staples, this simple pasta recipe cooks up fast in less than 15 minutes. This delicious pasta dish will please you and your family alike. You’ll love how fast it is and how your kids will clean the bowl up.
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This recipe was originally published in Mar 2019 and has been updated with new pictures, simplified instructions and video.
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What is Spaghetti Aglio E Olio?
Spaghetti aglio e olio is a traditional Italian recipe that originated in Naples. It is a simple dish that uses sauteed garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes to season the noodles. It is often served with a side of bread, but you can serve roasted vegetables and other classic Italian recipes with these tasty noodles.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Ingredients & Substitutions
These delicious noodles do not require a lot of ingredients. You may have many of them on hand already. You’ll need:
-
- Spaghetti - we use regular spaghetti. You can use other, thicker noodles like linguine, but you may need to adjust the cook time a bit. Avoid using thin spaghetti or angel hair since these cook up very fast and can become mushy or burn.
- Olive oil &Butter - butter adds some flavor and creaminess, but if you are keeping the recipe vegan, omit the butter.
- Garlic cloves - we create silvers of the garlic cloves in this recipe, but you could use roughly chopped garlic too.
- Red pepper flakes - red pepper adds heat and spiciness to the noodles. If you can add more if you like spicier noodles, use less for a small amount of heat, or omit completely.
- Parsley - some garnish and fresh flavor
- Parmesan cheese - you can use freshly grated Parmesan cheese or prepackaged varieties. Omit if you are vegan.
Why make Aglio e Olio in an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a great kitchen tool for making one pot meals quickly and easily. When you make spaghetti aglio e olio in the Instant Pot, you don’t need extra pans, pots, or even a colander. When the noodles are done cooking, the extra liquid used during cooking will evaporate without need to drain the pasta. This will also help to increase the flavor.
Intimidated to cook pasta in your Instant pot? Don’t be! We have you covered with our guide to the Instant Pot called Is the Instant Pot Worth It. The post will have you cooking anything in your pressure cooker like a pro and this pasta recipe is a great first Instant Pot meal.
How to Make Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Place the olive oil and butter in the inner pot of the Instant Pot and turn on saute mode. Allow the butter to melt or the oil to heat through. Once the oil is hot or the butter is melted, add the garlic and stir. Allow it to cook until the garlic is golden brown in color. This only takes about 1 to 3 minutes. You’ll need to stir it a few times as it cooks.
When the garlic is browned, stir in the red pepper and parsley. Turn off saute mode and pour in the water. Break the noodles in half and place half the noodles facing one direction and the other half facing a different direction so it looks like a T or a cross.
Use a spoon or spatula to press the noodles into the water a bit. They don’t need to stay submerged, but they need to all be wet before placing the lid on the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
Set the pot to high pressure and cook for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.
Carefully remove the lid. The pasta will still look watery. Use tongs to stir the noodles well and to pull apart any noodles that got stuck together. Allow the pasta to rest for about 5 minutes. This allows any extra liquid to evaporate. Stirring it occasionally during this time can help evaporate more liquid.
Serve the pasta with more parsley and Parmesan cheese on top and a side salad and bread.
Can I make pasta Aglio e Olio on the stove top?
Yes! If you don’t have an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, you can make the recipe on the stove top.
- To start, bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. When the water is boiling, add in the noodles. If you use spaghetti, you typically need to cook the pasta for about 8 to 10 minutes. We recommend following the instructions on the pasta box for ‘al dente,’ which is the shortest cook time.
- You can use other varieties of noodles on the stove top than spaghetti. Just make sure you follow the box’s instructions to avoid over or under cooking the pasta.Once the pasta is done cooking, carefully pour the pasta and water into a colander and set aside.
- Using either the same pot or a smaller pot if you prefer, add the butter and olive oil. Heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted or oil is hot, add in the garlic. Cook the garlic until it becomes golden brown, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. While it cooks, be sure to stir it on occasion.
- Once the garlic is golden brown, stir in the parsley and red pepper flakes. Finally, use tongs or simply dump the pasta into the pot. Turn off the heat and toss the pasta with your tongs until it is evenly coated.
Serve the pasta with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese on top. For a complete meal, serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, and these 4 minutes Air fryer Garlic bread Enjoy!
Aglio e Olio Recipe Tips & Tricks
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best spaghetti aglio e olio:
- Worried about cooking pasta in the Instant Pot? Don’t be! It’s not hard, but for more tips on cooking the perfect Instant Pot pasta, check out our post on the best Instant Pot spaghetti.
- Omit the red pepper for a less spicy noodle dish.
- If you prefer not to chop your garlic, you could use pre chopped garlic found in most grocery stores or use a garlic press to easily mince the garlic.
- You can easily Double the recipe . Remember the time does not change.
- Don’t use thin or angel hair pastas, they can burn or turn to mush in the Instant Pot easily
- Stir the garlic as it cooks to help prevent burning. It is better to start over if you burn the garlic than continue using burned garlic.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Aglio Olio
Serve the noodles hot with plenty of Parmesan cheese and parsley. You can serve the pasta with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of bread or rolls for a complete meal. You can also add additional Italian style cheeses on top of the noodles if you like.
We recommend serving these noodles with a side salad and bread or rolls. You could also add additional cheeses or roasted vegetables. It is particularly delicious with roasted broccoli or asparagus.
How to Store & Reheat This Aglio Olio Recipe
You can store the noodles for up to seven days in the refrigerator. If you plan to make the meal ahead of time, do not add Parmesan or other cheese to the noodles before storing. You can add them fresh when you heat the noodles up.
When storing, allow the noodles to completely cool. Once they are cool, use tongs (they are the best tool for picking up long pasta) to portion the noodles into individual containers or into one large container. Seal the container(s) and place in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
We do not recommend freezing noodles. They don’t reheat well.
When you are ready to serve the noodles, remove from the refrigerator and heat in the microwave for about 2 minutes. You could also reheat them in a pot on the stove. Add a small amount of olive oil and turn the heat on medium-low until the noodles are heated through.
What noodles can I use?
We recommend using Barilla spaghetti noodles for the Instant Pot. The cook time is based on their thickness. Using thicker or thinner noodles can lead to under or over cooked noodles. Gluten- free spaghetti can be used for this recipe if you are allergic.
If you make this on the stove top, you can use whatever noodles you prefer. Just make sure you follow the box’s instructions for the particular noodle you use.
Is this recipe vegan?
We use butter and Parmesan cheese to add some extra flavor and creaminess to the noodles. You can omit the butter and Parmesan cheese if you are vegan or substitute them for vegan varieties.
Do I have to use red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add heat and spiciness to the noodles. If you don’t like spicy foods, you can completely omit the red pepper or you could reduce the amount of pepper you use.
If you liked this Recipe, you will love our list of
Instant Pot Noodles and Pasta Recipes.
Check out the Best Instant Pot Vegetable Chow Mein recipe
Garlic noodles, Spicy Thai Noodles
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Spaghetti Aglio Olio
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a perfect solution for those days when you are out of time, energy or are short on ingredients. With only a few pantry staples, this simple pasta recipe cooks up fast in less than 15 minutes. This delicious pasta dish will please you and your family alike. You’ll love how fast it is and how your family .
Ingredients
- 8 oz. spaghetti imported from Italy or Barilla spaghetti
- 2 cups water
- 1tbsp olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 garlic cloves chopped julienne / thinly sliced (if you prefer less garlicky use around 3-4 garlic cloves)
- ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes/ increase or decrease according to your taste
- 1-1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley/ chopped
- ¼ tablespoon parmesan cheese/ optional
Instructions
- Set Instant pot to Sauté Mode.When HOT add in the oil and butter.
- Add the chopped and julienne garlic and stir. Cook for a few minutes until the garlic is golden brown while stirring occasionally.
- Add red chili flakes and chopped parsley. Keep stirring. ( Do not let the garlic burn)
- Press cancel.
- Pour water and salt.
- Break the spaghetti strands in half and spread them in two layers using a crisscross pattern.
- Do not stir from this point on.
- Use a spoon or spatula and kind of press down to make sure all the noodles get some water on them. They don't need to stay in the water, but just get all of them wet.
- Close the lid and turn the vent to sealing position.
- Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 mins.
- Once done, let the pot release naturally for 5 minutes, and then release the
remaining pressure with the manual pressure release. - Open the pot and stir the spaghetti, Use tongs to stir well, and pick apart any
stuck pieces. There will be a few stuck pieces. - Allow the spaghetti to rest for 5 minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate. You can give it a stir a time or two during this to help it out. The liquid will
reduce after a few minutes. - Serve with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired
Notes
- Leftover can be saved in the fridge for up
to 7 days. - Tongs are extremely useful for separating
the spaghetti. - Do NOT use angel hair pasta for this recipe.
Angel hair has a much quicker cook time than standard spaghetti noodles and will overcook and/or burn when used in this recipe
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Jennifer says
I used spaghettini, reducing the cook time to 4 minutes and the noodles turned out great! The parmesan was great on top. We added in salt (didn’t see it on the ingredient list) and a dash of vinegar once everything was cooked as well for a bit more flavour!
Soniya Saluja says
HI Jennifer, so glad to hear that ! Hope you try our other recipes
Patricia Rourke says
Still don't know how much salt to put in...I'm just guessing here.
Amanda says
I have made this twice now and I love it! My question is can I use spagetini and just reduce cook time to maybe 3 mins? We grabbed spagetini by mistake at the grocery store!
Liza says
This looks delicious! Would anything change if using whole wheat pasta?
Ashley says
What would change as far as directions if you make it on the stove top?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Ashley, just boil th noodles and make sauté the garlic in a pan with olive oil.. add the cooked spaghetti in it and enjoy+
Angelo says
Hello Soniya, how can i add Chicken breast to the recipe ?
John Devero says
1/2 tablespoon seems like alot of red pepper. Are you sure it's not 1/2 teaspoon?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi John, you can totally adjust it to your taste buds. We like it spicy!
Lindsay says
Can you use minced garlic, like the kind from the jar instead of chopped garlic?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Lindsay, yes you can :)
Beth says
To add spinach or sun dried tomatoes or olives, etc., would you do that at the end - just stir in, due to how quickly they’d heat up? Sorry if that’s sacrilegious for a classic dish! Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Beth, you can add sub dried tomatoes with the garlic and add baby spinach after the noodles are cooked. Stir the spinach and place the lid for few minutes. Th out come is delicious.
Ami says
If you wanted to add shrimp to it, would you put the shrimp in when you add the noodles?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Ami, you can add frozen raw shrimps on top of the noodles and cook. Hope this helps
Megha says
Super easy recipe to make in the IP and tastes really good. Just add toasted pine nuts on top to take this to the next level. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe and all the tips.
Lopa says
Thanks! How much salt do you recommend? This was so tasty, I might make it again this weekend but double the recipe!
Lopa says
Hi Soniya! Thank you so much for posting your awesome recipes! I have made your garlic noodles a few times already bc they’re SO good!
Just made this dish & added steamed broccoli at the end, it’s deelish!!
Also just wanted to let you know that there are a few things missing from the recipe & instructions. Can you please share how much salt to add? In the directions, I think you may have forgotten to add “add butter & olive oil, before sautéing the garlic. Thanks again & please stay safe!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Lopa, we are so glad to hear from you . Hope you try other recipes from our blog :) if you like noodles then you should definitely try the thai noodles . Thanks for letting us know the typo mistake .. fixed it :)
Misty VanKeuren says
Hoping someone sees this. When you doubled it, did you double EVERYTHING-even the garlic? Thank you.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi misty, yes when you double the recipe please double th ingredients...if you are not a big fan of garlic use few less. The time remains the same.hope this helps.
JOANNE C HARRIS says
Can you use rice noodles instead?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Joanne, we would not recommend rice noodles if you are using instant pot. You can definitely use it if make it on stove top. Hope this helps
Kaye M. says
Can this be made in a 3 quart Mini “as is”?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Kaye , yes you can make 8oz pasta easily in your IP mini. Do share your feedback with us after you make it
Scarlet says
Sometimes simple is so flavorful. All of Italian cooking seems to focus on just using really good quality ingredient for simple delicious food. Can't wait to try spaghetti aglio e olio in the instant pot!
Toni says
I'm always looking for new (easy) recipes to make in the Instant Pot. It could never have crossed my mind to make something like this but I'm so glad I did. Absolutely delicious!
Beth says
My son loves this recipe! It's his favorite! I will definitely be making this again soon!
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Beth, so glad to hear that! Thanks ?
Emmeline says
Such a great, simple recipe! And your version looks absolutely perfect!
Dannii says
I love any kind of simple pasta dish like this. It looks delicious.
Gail Montero says
I love good and simple dishes like this! Easy to prep, not too many ingredients and yet comes out so tasty!
Pat Novakowksi says
I like to add a few beaten eggs when done Like a carbonara, but also sauté some anchovys or anchovy paste with the garlic. Just an added layer of flavor.
Elizabeth Kilpatrick says
Where did you get those noodles?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Elizabeth, I got these from HomeGoods food section where they keep different kinds of pastas. spaghetti works very well too. Hope you give it a try ♥️
Judi says
The only thing I did differently was I salted the water. Pasta is very bland if not salted. Excellent recipe. Thanks!
JS says
This was amazing! I veganized it and it's excellent. A definite keeper. Thank you for the video, otherwise I would have never made it.
Soniya Saluja says
Hey JS,So glad to hear that you loved this SpaghettiA Aglio-e-Olio recipe.Hope.youbtry more recipes from our blog?♥️
JS says
QQ: if I want to double the recipe and make it for a crowd, do I need to increase the cooking time? Thank you. I’m enjoying the leftovers as I write this. Perfectly al dente!
Soniya Saluja says
Hey there , we are so glad to hear from you again JS. Well if you are doubling the Recipe the time remains the same. Your IP will take time to come to pressure!
JS says
I made it for a crowd of 20 people, and it was a huge hit!
Soniya Saluja says
So glad to hear that ❤️
Molly Moon ? (@miss_mollymoon) says
I used to make something similar to this for dinner SO often in college! (It was delicious, but we didn't have Instant Pots back then--ha!) This looks delicious!
Molly // Miss Molly Moon
Lauren - The Little Lake Cottage says
Love this idea! I am obsessed with my Instant Pot! This recipe is great because I always have these ingredients on hand. I am very excited to try this!
Thanks for sharing! Lauren - https://thelittlelakecottage.com
Shravya Mukka says
Absolutely delicious and super easy. My 1.5 year old went nuts for it. This is going to be added to our weekday dinner rotations since it's such a quick and hearty meal. Thanks so much for sharing!
Soniya Saluja says
We are so glad to hear that Shravya? Thanks you so much for taking your time out to share your experience with us!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I love how easy the instant pot makes dinners! This looks delicious!
Terri says
Wow. It never occurred to me that you could make this in an Instant Pot. I don't use butter. Should I increase the olive oil to 2T?
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Terri, It's such a easy one pot meal.. without compromising on flavors! Well no need to increase the olive oil.. drizzle some in the end if you want to :)
Enjoy and do share your feedback with us ?
Cassidy says
Need to get myself an instant pot! Looks so yummy!
Kasey Ma
learningtobefreebriana says
This looks delicious! I love pasta. I'm always looking for new ways to make it and new flavor combinations. I'm definitely going to be making this.
Luci Cook says
This looks so good. I'm going to have to make this the next time I make pasta.
morethemarier says
This pasta looks amazing! I will definitely be trying this weekend!!
geekydaddydave says
Sounds great. I'm game to try any instant pot recipe but I may leave out the chile flakes. Never been a fan of those.
Shaily says
Super yummy and quick... life saver recipe! My kiddo and me both enjoyed the suttle flavors in it. Never knew it could be made in instant pot with so much ease..
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Shaily, we are so glad to hear that...Thanks for taking your time out to share your experience with us ❤️
k says
Can you please confirm the amount of garlic? In one typical head of garlic, there are about 10-12 cloves. So you are confirming that this recipe requires >1.5 whole heads of garlic, chopped? I just want to confirm before I actually make this dish :)
Soniya Saluja says
Hi , yes you can just use one garlic bulb or 12-15 garlic cloves.. the one I used we're very small bulb ..so that's why we're how many cloves I used ? hope this helps
Amy (Savory Moments) says
This looks so simple, yet for flavorful! I love one-pot meals like this!
Krista says
Wow! I love this so much! I am thinking lunch this week for sure! Cannot wait to try it!
Jacqueline Debono says
Here in Italy spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino (if you add chili pepper) is a popular go to recipe when you have unexpected guests or midnight munchies! We like it a lot! As you say very flavourful even though there are only a few ingredients! Never thought it could be made in an Instant pot! Great idea!
Christie Campbell says
Aglio e oli is actually on my bucket list to make. Now, I just have to make this version! So simple and so delicious at the same time.
Jessica Formicola says
My whole family loved this! It will definitely be added to our regular dinner rotation!
Tara says
Yum! You had me at 15 minutes and one pot. Such a great weeknight meal for using up pantry ingredients.