Penne Aglio e Olio

Jump to Recipe

Penne aglio e olio is a hearty pasta dish that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates an amazing flavor profile. And this garlicky and cheesy recipe is easy to make with a few simple ingredients.

What Is Penne Aglio e Olio?

Aglio e olio is an Italian pasta dish made with pasta, garlic, and olive oil. Aglio e olio translates to garlic and oil, so penne aglio e olio is penne with garlic and olive oil. You may have heard of spaghetti aglio e olio. This recipe is similar, but it uses penne pasta instead of the more traditional spaghetti pasta.

Penne aglio e olio is a quick and easy dish. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors meld together to create something special. Penne aglio e olio is a versatile pasta dish that you can enjoy any time of year in a variety of ways. Enjoy it hot, cold, or at room temperature and mix up the herbs and spices.

You can serve penne aglio e olio as an appetizer or main course depending on the portion size, making it a great option for all occasions from casual weeknight dinners to more formal gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Penne Aglio e Olio

Dried penne pasta
Garlic cloves
Olive oil
Salt
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chili flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Penne Aglio e Olio

Bring your water to a boil in a pot.
Peel the garlic cloves and mince them or press them with a garlic press.
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Cook the minced garlic in the oil until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
Cook the penne in the boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain all the water except 1/2 cup. Set the 1/2 cup pasta water aside.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the fried garlic and mix well.
Add the salt, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of the pasta water. Mix well. The cheese will melt, and the pasta water will help achieve a creamier consistency.
Serve with chili flakes, fresh chopped parsley, and more Parmesan cheese as desired.

Tips and Variations for Penne Aglio e Olio

Aglio e olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that you can cook in many different ways. To make the most of this delicious dish, use these tips and variations:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as extra-virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Mince the garlic fresh from the clove, either with a garlic press or by hand with a knife. This will help retain some of the flavor and aroma of the garlic.
Salt the water for cooking the pasta for added flavor.
Do not add all the pasta water at once. Add a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. You want the pasta to be a bit creamy but not soupy.
Don’t burn or overcook the garlic or it will become bitter.
Add cooked shrimp, calamari, or diced chicken breasts to the recipe for added protein or to make the pasta a main dish.
Try different types of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta.
Adjust the amount of garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and chili flakes depending on how intense you want the flavor or spiciness to be.
Add diced tomatoes, mushrooms, anchovies, and/or capers to the pasta. These ingredients can be added raw before serving or sautéed together with the garlic and olive oil.

Penne Aglio e Olio FAQs

Is penne aglio e olio a vegetarian dish?

Yes, this penne aglio e olio is suitable for vegetarians. Because of the Parmesan cheese, it is not suitable for vegans.

Can I freeze cooked penne aglio e olio?

Yes, you can freeze cooked penne aglio e olio. To do this, place the cooled noodles in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be sure to stir the pasta while it’s reheating to ensure that it is heated all the way through.

How do I store leftovers of penne aglio e olio?

You can store any leftovers of penne aglio e olio in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.

Other Italian-Inspired Recipes

Bottom Line

Penne aglio e olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that is quick and easy to make. You can make it with 4 simple ingredients: penne, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The flavors are robust but not too strong or overpowering, and the texture is light yet satisfying.

Yield: 2 servings

Penne Aglio e Olio

A classic that never disappoints, Aglio e olio pasta is always a good idea, and with this penne is absolutely to die for! Garlicky, cheesy, and extremely satisfying.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients

Around 2 oz of dried penne per person
4 garlic cloves
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Put enough water in a pot and let it boil.
While it boils peel the garlic cloves and finely mince them or use a garlic press to achieve the same effect.
In a pan add the olive oil and the minced garlic cloves and bring to medium-low heat until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain well but keep 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the fried garlic and mix well.
Add a bit of the pasta water and the parmesan cheese and mix well. The cheese will melt and the water will help achieve a creamier consistency.
Serve with some chili flakes, freshly chopped parsley, and more parmesan cheese.

Notes

Do not add all the pasta water at once, depending on your pasta (how cooked it i) and liking you might want to add the entire ½ cup or less. The resulting paste should be a bit creamy but not soupy.

This pasta makes delicious leftovers, (if there are any) keep in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week.

Also check out our Instant pot spaghetti aglio e olio recipe if you enjoyed this one.