Linda’s Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Recipes
Written By Linda Secondari

This traditional Roman dish is my go-to when I am feeling run down and at risk of getting ill. I know the combination of abundant garlic and pepper will get my immune system’s attention and keep me in good health. Plus it is a super fast and flavorful recipe — perfect for a quick bite. My recipe is based on Marcella Hazan’s from Classic Italian Cooking, the only Italian food cookbook anyone needs to own!

Adapted from The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 pound (450g) dried spaghetti

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Parmigiano (freshly grated)

  • Minced flat-leaf parsley, for serving (optional)

 
 
 
 

Directions

  • In a pot of very well salted boiling water, cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the package directs).

  • Reserve pasta cooking water.

  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine a generous 6 tablespoons oil and garlic.

  • Add pinch of red pepper flakes, if using.

  • Cook over medium heat until garlic is very lightly golden, about 5 minutes. (Adjust heat as necessary to keep it gently sizzling.)

  • Once the spaghetti are cooked, drain, being careful to reserve some of the pasta water when draining the spaghetti.

  • Transfer pasta to skillet and mix thoroughly with the skillet sauce. Add as much of the pasta water as necessary to coat all the spaghetti with the silken sauce.

  • Increase heat to high, and cook, stirring and tossing rapidly, until a creamy, emulsified sauce forms and coats the noodles.

  • Remove from heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons Parmigiano, abundant freshly ground black pepper, and a little more olive oil if desired.

  • Stir well to combine. Mix in parsley, if using, and serve right away.

    Yield: 4-5 servings

 

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Linda Secondari

I’m Linda Secondari, founder of Studiolo Secondari and a publishing strategist with more than two decades of experience helping authors create books that resonate and find their audiences. I cut my teeth as an in-house Creative Director — most recently at Oxford University Press — where I partnered with editors, marketers, publishers, and authors to shape meaningful books and position them for real-world impact.

Those years taught me how books compete in a crowded marketplace: how they signal to readers, how they communicate value, and how they’re discovered. My work now centers on sharing that understanding with authors who want to produce books with clarity, intention, and a strong sense of where their place is.

I bring a blend of creative direction, editorial insight, and market strategy — all designed to help you approach your work with the mindset and confidence of a seasoned publishing professional.

http://linda-secondari.squarespace.com/
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