Gordon Ramsay Aglio Olio Recipe: Easy & Delicious Guide

If you’re craving a simple yet indulgently flavorful pasta dish, Gordon Ramsay’s Aglio Olio recipe is a must-try. This classic Italian dish is all about the perfect harmony of garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and fresh parsley tossed with al dente spaghetti.

Despite its minimal ingredients, it packs a punch of bold, comforting flavors that can satisfy any pasta lover. Ramsay’s version elevates this humble dish with his signature attention to detail and technique, making it quick enough for a weekday dinner but elegant enough to impress guests.

What makes this recipe so special is its balance — the garlic is gently infused into the oil without burning, the chili brings just the right amount of heat, and the fresh parsley adds a bright, herby finish.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Plus, it’s perfect for those days when you want a delicious meal on the table without fuss.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions so you can recreate Gordon Ramsay’s famous Aglio Olio in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s Aglio Olio is beloved for its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a dish that feels homey yet refined, perfect for a quick solo lunch or a cozy dinner with friends.

Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Minimal ingredients: Pantry staples like garlic and olive oil shine in this recipe, making it easy and budget-friendly.
• Quick preparation: Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can easily add protein or veggies to suit your taste.
• Authentic flavor: Ramsay’s technique ensures the garlic is perfectly cooked and the pasta perfectly coated.
• Comfort food: It’s satisfying without being heavy, making it a go-to for any season.

Ingredients

• 400g spaghetti (preferably Italian, dried)
• 6-8 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 120ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Lemon zest (optional, for a fresh twist)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander or strainer
• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Wooden spoon or tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Grater (for cheese and zest)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-9 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the garlic and oil. Heat the olive oil gently in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add the thinly sliced garlic to the oil. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Burnt garlic will taste bitter, so be patient and keep the heat moderate.
4. Sprinkle in the red chili flakes. Stir for 30 seconds to infuse the oil with a spicy kick.
5. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss well to coat every strand in the garlic-chili oil.
6. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water little by little. This helps create a smooth, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
8. Serve immediately. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips & Variations

“The secret to great Aglio Olio is slow cooking the garlic and not rushing the sauce — patience is key.” – Gordon Ramsay

• Control the heat: Keep the oil on medium-low so garlic doesn’t burn. If it starts browning too fast, lower the heat immediately.
• Use fresh garlic: Thinly sliced fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic for this recipe.
• Add protein: Try sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
• Make it vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it plant-based.
• Extra flavor boosters: Add anchovy fillets for a salty umami twist or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
• Swap pasta types: Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine or fettuccine work well too.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This delightful Aglio Olio pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and salads to complete your meal. For a light start, try a crisp green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

If you want to keep the Italian vibe going, garlic bread or a warm focaccia make perfect accompaniments. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or sautéed greens like spinach or kale add color and nutrition.

Don’t forget to pair your meal with a chilled glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Aglio Olio recipe is a shining example of how simplicity in cooking can yield extraordinary results. By focusing on fresh ingredients and careful technique, you transform a handful of pantry staples into a comforting and elegant dish.

It’s approachable for cooks at any skill level and flexible enough to suit your personal preferences or what you have on hand.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this recipe never fails to delight. For more delicious and easy recipes, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, explore the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, or try the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for more culinary inspiration.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Gordon Ramsay Aglio Olio”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT20M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“400g spaghetti”, “6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced”, “100ml extra virgin olive oil”, “1 tsp red chili flakes”, “Salt, to taste”, “Freshly ground black pepper, to taste”, “Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp)”, “Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and chili flakes, saut\u00e9 until garlic is golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain pasta, reserving some cooking water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss pasta in the garlic oil mixture, adding reserved water if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chopped parsley.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately with grated Parmesan if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “480 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “56 g”}}