Pregnancy Friendly One-Pot Aglio e Olio
Few dishes are as deeply satisfying as a bowl of perfectly sauced pasta, and this garlic-and-olive-oil classic delivers that comfort with minimal fuss and a very short ingredient list. During pregnancy, keeping meals simple, nourishing, and made from ingredients you can actually trust matters more than ever — and this one checks every box. The base is extra-virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and pasta, all cooked in a single pan so you're in full control of what goes into the dish. Gently toasting the garlic in olive oil until just golden builds a rich, fragrant depth of flavor without any heavy sauces or processed shortcuts. A splash of starchy pasta water pulls everything together into a glossy, silky coating that clings to every strand — it's a technique that feels almost magical the first time you see it work. Fresh parsley brightens the whole thing up, and a handful of finely grated Parmesan on top (totally optional) adds a savory, salty finish. It's the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is genuinely wholesome — exactly what you want when you're eating for two.
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!