Mushroom Aglio Olio - Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Garlic & Olive Oil

Mushroom Aglio Olio - Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Garlic & Olive Oil - This is a super simple recipe that is quick to make and absolutely delicious. It’s great for busy weeknights and can be served as a main meal or a side. This traditional Italian dish is made with very few ingredients. The whole dish is ready to eat in under 20 minutes! If you love a simple Aglio Olio recipe, why not try this Aglio Olio Peperoncino?

Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Garlic & Olive Oil

Aglio olio translates to Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta. This Pasta dish is absolutely packed full of flavour and it is a recipe I happily eat once a week.

Why you will love this Recipe

• It’s Quick and Easy to make - You only need 15 - 20 minutes max!
• It is made with Simple Ingredients
• It is Healthy
• It is easily adaptable
• It is Vegetarian 
• It is DELICIOUS!

What is Aglio Olio?

Aglio Olio is a popular pasta dish that is part of Italian cuisine. It originated in Naples.

”Aglio" means Garlic and "Olio" means Olive Oil. 

The recipe is most often made with Spaghetti but is sometimes made with other Pasta shapes such as Penne.

This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients.

Parmesan is an optional addition and is not traditionally added to this recipe. You can skip it if you want to make the recipe Vegan.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Use good quality ingredients in this recipe as there are only a handful of ingredients. Here is what you will need:

Spaghetti

I use Dried Spaghetti Pasta made from durum wheat.

You can use Gluten Free Spaghetti or even Whole Wheat Spaghetti. You can also use Linguine.

Mushrooms

I used Chensnut mushrooms, which are similar to Cremeni Mushrooms.

They have more flavour and texture then white mushrooms.

Garlic Cloves

As this is a key flavour, we use quite a bit of Garlic.

For the same reason, I wouldn’t recommend Garlic Powder/Granules or Pastes.

Olive Oil

As this recipe has few ingredients and as this is such a crucial flavour I would suggest using a good quality robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil. 

Red Pepper Flakes

Or Chili Flakes. A pinch adds flavour and very mild heat.

You can add more or less. You can also skip it. Or serve it with Sriracha instead!

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkling at the end is optional. It adds a richness and some nuttiness.

Salt and Black Pepper

To bring it all together.

How to make Mushroom Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page:

Boil Spaghetti in a large pot of water over medium high heat. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 200 ml of the Pasta water. Then drain the pasta. 

Meanwhile, add Oil to a pot over medium-high heat.

Add Garlic and Chilli Flakes and saute for a couple of minutes.

Add the Mushrooms. 

Sauté mushrooms for 2 - 3 minutes until the Garlic and Mushrooms are golden brown.

Add the reserved Pasta Water to the sauteed mushrooms.

Stir in Salt and Pepper and simmer on high for 2-3 minutes.

Add the Spaghetti, and toss well.

Top with grated Parmesan and enjoy!

Cooking Tips and Tricks

• When you add the garlic into the Oil don’t overcook it as it will continue to cook with the mushrooms and instead of fragrant mushrooms when garlic is cooked too much, the overall flavour of the dish does become acrid.
• Pre salt the water generously when cooking the Pasta.  

Variations for Aglio Olio Recipe

This recipe is very easily adaptable but I do think that it’s appeal is in it’s simplicity. Here is how you can change things up:

Lemon

Add some Lemon Zest and Juice at the end of cooking to add a fresh taste.

Herbs

Add some fresh or dried Herbs. Dry Parsley or Fresh Parsley works well. 

Veg

Stir in other Veg such as Broccoli or Spinach.

Parmesan

Skip the Parmesan to make this a Vegan meal.

Serving Suggestions

All Pasta dishes taste great with a side of Garlic Bread and a fresh leafy Salad! 

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

The Spaghetti will become dry, so you will need to add a splash of water when reheating on the hob or in the microwave. 

Recipe FAQS

Can Aglio Olio be frozen?

Yes it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can Aglio Olio be reheated?

Yes, simply reheat with a splash of water on the hob or in the microwave. 

Can Aglio Olio be made ahead of time?

Yes it can be made up to 4 days in advance (store in an air-tight container)  but for best results I would suggest making it on the day you wish to serve it.

If you do make it ahead of time, simply reheat with 1-2 tablespoons of water.

Does Aglio Olio have Cheese?

This recipe does not traditionally include cheese. I add a sprinkling of Parmesan, as I like the flavour it adds.

What does Aglio Olio mean?

Aglio e olio, means garlic and olive oil in Italy.

What goes well with Aglio Olio?

Leafy greens, a tomato salad, Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread go really well with Aglio Olio.

Why does my Aglio Olio taste bland?

What makes this dish so delicious is flavouring the Olive Oil with Garlic, Chilli Flakes and Mushrooms.

All these flavours sautéed in the oil adds a lot of flavour to the the recipe. Make sure you saute everything well for best results.

more quick and easy Pasta recipes:

Easy, Creamy & Spicy Harissa Pasta

Gigi Hadid Viral Spicy Pasta without Vodka

Tiktok Pasta

Masala Pasta with Chicken and Cheese

Butter Chicken Pasta

Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest recipes.