Spaghetti Aglio e Verde

A delightful twist on the classic Italian 'Aglio e Olio', this dish features green garlic—a seasonal delicacy cherished in Mediterranean cuisine. Known as 'Aglio Verde' in Italian, green garlic adds a mild, aromatic depth to the pasta, offering a balance between the robust pungency of mature garlic and the subtle sweetness of young shoots. This dish celebrates simplicity, using minimal ingredients to create a perfectly harmonized pasta where the garlic melds with the richness of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of parsley, and a gentle heat from red pepper flakes. Traditionally enjoyed in Italy and Greece during early spring when green garlic is abundantly available, it pairs beautifully with crisp white wines and fresh seasonal salads.

Time to complete

Prep

10min

Cook

15min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

25min

Ingredients (Makes 4 portions)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 450 g (1 lb) spaghetti
  • 80 ml (⅓ cup) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 heads green garlic, thinly sliced (or 4 cloves regular garlic)
  • 15 g (1 tbsp) chopped parsley
  • Small pinch of red pepper flakes
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 7
  • Protein: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Fiber: 2
Directions

Cooking the Pasta

  • 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, reserving 240 ml (1 cup) of pasta water before draining.

Preparing the Garlic Mixture

  • 2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add sliced garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes along with 60 ml (¼ cup) of water. Cover and let it sweat, stirring occasionally, until soft.

Finishing the Dish

  • 3. Add cooked pasta to the garlic mixture and toss thoroughly to combine. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water to create a creamy texture. Serve drizzled with extra olive oil and green garlic tops, if desired.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Roast the garlic instead of sweating it for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Enhancing Flavor

  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to add richness and depth of flavor.

Healthier Variation

  • Swap spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber and nutrients.

Perfect Texture

  • Don’t overcook the garlic—keeping it soft but not caramelized preserves its delicate sweetness.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • In summer, add cherry tomatoes for a fresh, vibrant twist.