Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a timeless Italian classic that shines through its simplicity and bold flavors.
What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of minimal ingredients — fragrant garlic, vibrant kale, and a touch of red pepper flakes — that come together to create a comforting, satisfying dish in just 20 minutes.
Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Kale
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Pair of Tongs
- Measuring Cups (set)
- Microplane Zester
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
- ½ to 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 large bunch lacinato kale stems removed and chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Infuse the Olive Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic along with the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir frequently and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic edges turn a delicate golden brown, releasing an aromatic fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sauté the Kale: Add the chopped kale to the skillet along with the sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss with tongs and sauté for up to 1 minute, just until the kale softens and wilts, maintaining a vibrant green color.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the kale and garlic oil. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles. Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, then add the fresh lemon juice and zest. Continue to toss, allowing the pasta water to emulsify with the oil, creating a silky, light sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually stir in the remaining pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- Lacinato kale is recommended for its tender texture and mild flavor, but you can substitute with other kale varieties or spinach.
- Reserving pasta water is essential to achieve a smooth sauce; it helps bind the oil and pasta together.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest and juice to add a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the dish.
- This recipe is versatile—add toasted breadcrumbs or toasted pine nuts for extra texture if desired.
Nutritionally, this recipe is a great choice for everyday meals as it’s rich in fiber thanks to the kale, packed with plant-based antioxidants, and features heart-healthy fats from extra-virgin olive oil.
It’s low in saturated fat and offers a subtle protein boost from the greens and optional Parmesan.
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, it requires minimal prep and cleanup while delivering big on taste and nutrition, making it ideal for busy lifestyles and those who appreciate wholesome, simple cooking.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results:
Large Pot
Essential for boiling pasta to the perfect al dente texture. A quality pot ensures even heat distribution, preventing sticking and overcooking. Beyond this recipe, it’s indispensable for soups, stews, and blanching vegetables.
Large Skillet
Perfect for gently sautéing garlic and kale in olive oil, allowing flavors to develop without burning. Its wide surface area helps in tossing the pasta evenly with sauce. This versatile pan also excels at stir-frying and searing proteins.
Tongs
Vital for tossing the spaghetti and kale together, ensuring even coating of the sauce and preventing breakage of delicate noodles. Tongs are multi-purpose kitchen tools perfect for flipping, serving, and grabbing hot food safely.
Measuring Cups
For precise ingredient measurements like olive oil and pasta water, helping maintain recipe consistency. A staple in any kitchen, they ensure accurate portions in both cooking and baking.
Microplane Zester
Ideal for zesting lemons to add bright, fresh flavor that lifts the entire dish. This handy tool also works for grating hard cheeses, garlic, and spices with ease.
Chef’s Secrets to Elevate Flavor
Mastering this simple yet flavorful pasta hinges on a few key secrets. First, gently browning the garlic in olive oil until golden (not burnt) releases a rich, nutty aroma that forms the backbone of the dish.
Using fresh, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil is essential for authentic taste and healthy fats.
Don’t skip reserving the pasta water — its starch content helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky texture that clings beautifully to each strand of spaghetti.
Incorporating lemon zest and juice adds a bright freshness that balances the richness of the oil and garlic.
Finally, tossing in fresh kale not only boosts nutrition but also introduces a pleasant earthy note.
By following these tips, you transform a humble dish into a restaurant-quality meal.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and additions.
For a light meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to complement the pasta’s richness.
Adding roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled vegetables brings a burst of sweetness and color.
If you want to make it heartier, top the pasta with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pan-fried tofu for a plant-based protein boost.
A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crunchy breadcrumbs adds delightful texture.
Serve with crusty artisan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, and finish with a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese for an indulgent touch.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To keep your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce and prevent drying.
Avoid microwaving at high power as it can make the pasta rubbery and dry out the garlic flavor.
If you’d like to meal prep, cook the pasta and kale separately and combine just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
Note that lemon zest and fresh parsley are best added right before eating to preserve their bright flavor and color.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Cook garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently. Remove from heat as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
3. Is kale necessary?
No, kale adds nutrition and texture, but you can substitute spinach, Swiss chard, or omit greens entirely for a simpler dish.
4. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Simply use vegan Parmesan or omit the cheese. The dish is naturally plant-based aside from the cheese.
5. How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the amount to your preference or leave them out for no spice.
