This recipe comes from the movie Chef, where Casper, played by Jon Favreau, makes a lusciously oily, garlicky pasta for Scarlett Johansson's character, Molly, during one pivotal scene.
How to Make Pasta Aglio e Olio
Cook 12 garlic cloves in extra-virgin olive oil, which serves as the flavor base of the sauce. Cook the garlic until it is light golden brown (don't let it get too brown or burn) then add a healthy pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. When the spaghetti is cooked to al dente, add it to the garlic-infused chili oil, along with pasta water to make the sauce extra silky. Once the pasta is coated in the oil, add some parsley to freshen it up and some lemon juice for brightness. Traditionally, this dish is served without cheese, but this recipe includes it. It brings a richness and layer of savory that balances everything all out.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add spaghetti, cooking until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-low. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add crushed red pepper flakes and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Add drained spaghetti to pan and toss, adding pasta water, until spaghetti is thoroughly coated.
- Remove pan from heat, add parsley, lemon juice, and Parmesan and toss well. Check for flavor, adding more salt if necessary. Garnish with more Parmesan, lemon wedges, and crushed red pepper flakes.
