Anti Inflammatory One-Pot Aglio e Olio
Few dishes prove that simple ingredients can be deeply satisfying quite like this garlicky, olive oil-drenched pasta. Extra-virgin olive oil is the real star here — it's rich in oleocanthal and healthy monounsaturated fats that are widely celebrated for their role in reducing inflammation, and using a full half cup means every strand of spaghetti gets thoroughly coated in the good stuff. Fresh garlic, another powerhouse ingredient, is cooked low and slow until just golden, which preserves its beneficial compounds while mellowing the sharpness into something nutty and irresistible. Red pepper flakes add a gentle kick that also brings their own anti-inflammatory credentials to the bowl. The starchy pasta water is the secret weapon that pulls everything into a glossy, clingy sauce without any cream or butter weighing it down. Fresh parsley stirred in at the end adds brightness and a hit of antioxidants that round out the dish beautifully. It all comes together in one pot and one pan, making this a weeknight dinner that's as easy on the cleanup as it is on your body.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 tbsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Can be omittedgrated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tbsp kosher salt and the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until 2 minutes shy of al dente — tender but with a firm, chalky center — according to the package directions. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large skillet or wide sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic slices in a single layer and cook, stirring frequently, until pale golden at the edges and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes. Watch closely — the slices can go from golden to bitter quickly.
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