Mediterranean Diet Friendly One-Pot Aglio e Olio
Few dishes capture the spirit of simple, wholesome cooking quite like this garlicky pasta — golden-sliced garlic, grassy olive oil, a hit of red pepper heat, and a shower of fresh parsley come together in one pan with almost no effort. Extra-virgin olive oil is the real star here, and using a generous half cup means you're leaning hard into one of the most celebrated ingredients in Mediterranean cooking. The starchy pasta water is the secret weapon that transforms oil and garlic into a glossy, silky sauce that clings to every strand — no cream, no butter, no shortcuts needed. Because the ingredient list is so short and clean, there's nothing hiding in this dish that doesn't belong: just whole, recognizable foods that happen to taste incredible together. The optional Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish, but the pasta is completely satisfying without it if you want to keep things lighter. It's the kind of weeknight dinner that feels effortless but tastes like you actually tried, and cleanup is blessedly minimal since everything comes together in a single pot and skillet.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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)
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!