Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Easy Garlic Olive Oil Pasta)

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Add the spaghetti and stir once or twice so it doesn’t stick. Cook until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than the package says. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.

While the pasta cooks, finely chop or grate the garlic, parsley, and fresh red chili. Keep everything close to the stove so this 15 minute pasta dinner comes together smoothly.

Step 2: Gently Infuse the Oil

Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a large skillet and set the heat to low. When the oil is warm but not sizzling, add the garlic and chili. Let them gently sizzle for about 30 seconds, then turn off the heat. The residual warmth will flavor the oil without burning the garlic. If the pan gets too hot, lift it off the burner for a few seconds.