A classic Italian pasta dish known as 'aglio e olio' for 'garlic and oil.' Use the best quality pasta and olive oil you can find.
With the exception of the cayenne pepper, this is the traditional pasta with garlic and olive oil I grew up with in my Italian family. If anything, we add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to taste, but it is just as traditional and tasty without. This is the Italian version of buttered noodles--and it's darn good. Also delicious with a sprinkle of grated fresh Parmesan or Romano cheese. - 18 Feb 2008 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)
Now THIS is the way to do Olio The only thing I changed is using whole cloves of garlic rather than chopped garlic - it is more "traditional" that way. As for cooking the garlic for 10-15 minutes - you are normally supposed to discard the (whole clove of) garlic after you have cooked it in the oil. The reason for doing this is that the oil becomes infused with the garlic flavour... However, since this version uses chopped garlic instead of whole cloves - I would cook it for 3-5 minutes instead. - 23 Jul 2007 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)
Not a good kid recipe because of the spicy red pepper flakes (but omit them and the kids will eat this up). I've added quartered canned artichokes and black olives. Also try shaped pasta, adds a little excitement to the meal. Very delicious!! - 01 May 2000 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)