Classic Aglio e Olio Pasta
Mastering Aglio e Olio with Plenty of Garlic (Baek Jong-won Style)
Indulge in the beloved Aglio e Olio, a pasta dish packed with the aromatic punch of garlic! This recipe, inspired by Baek Jong-won, stays true to the basics, creating a rich flavor profile. Let’s learn how to make this classic Italian pasta that’s a favorite among Koreans.
Ingredients- Spaghetti pasta for 2 servings
- Generous amount of extra virgin olive oil (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 5 dried red chilies or peperoncino, crushed
- Salt (for boiling pasta)
- Black pepper (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1-2 pinches of salt to the boiling water. Once boiling, add the spaghetti for 2 servings and cook for about 7-8 minutes, or 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, until al dente. Reserve about one cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat a wide pan over low heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil, then add the sliced garlic and crushed red chilies. Gently sauté until the garlic turns a beautiful golden brown and releases its aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic; slow cooking is key to infusing the oil.
Step 3
About 1-2 minutes before the pasta is fully cooked, transfer the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the garlic-infused oil. Keeping the pasta in its cooking water and adding it directly to the pan helps create a richer sauce.
Step 4
Add about two ladles of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and toss the pasta vigorously with the oil and garlic. The starch from the pasta water will emulsify with the olive oil, creating a light sauce that coats the noodles beautifully. Keep tossing until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5
Taste the pasta and season with salt as needed, adding a generous grind of black pepper. Toss everything together well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6
Serve the Aglio e Olio immediately in a warm bowl. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of parsley flakes or crispy garlic chips if desired. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Aglio e Olio!
