Seeds Free One-Pot Aglio e Olio
Few dishes prove that simple ingredients can be extraordinary quite like this Italian classic. Golden-sliced garlic blooms slowly in good olive oil until it's fragrant and just barely kissed with color, building a base that's rich, savory, and deeply satisfying without a single complicated step. A splash of starchy pasta water is the secret weapon here — it emulsifies with the oil to create a glossy, silky sauce that coats every strand rather than sliding off into a puddle. The hit of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting, while fresh parsley brightens the whole bowl at the very end. For anyone navigating a seeds-free lifestyle, this recipe is a genuine win — the ingredient list is short, clean, and naturally free of the sesame, poppy, sunflower, and other seeds that sneak into so many store-bought pasta sauces and seasoning blends. Everything comes together in one pot and one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner. Finish it with a shower of Parmesan if you like, or keep it dairy-free — either way, it's weeknight magic.
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!