Instant Pot Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

• Butter and olive oil - Butter adds richness and luxuriousness, while olive oil contributes its distinct flavor and aroma. The combination of both enhances the overall taste.
• Garlic - Like all garlic recipes, this pasta recipe is a garlic lovers dream. I have used 6 large cloves of minced garlic.
• Red pepper flakes - While red pepper flakes are optional, I highly recommend including them or adjusting the quantity to your preference. As in the spicy kale pasta, they add a kick of heat, enhancing its flavor, especially given the simplicity of its ingredients.
• Spaghetti - Ain't aglio e olio without spaghetti!
• Parmesan Cheese - Like in garlic parmesan sauce or all other parmesan cheese recipes, parmesan adds a salty and nutty flavor.
• Fresh or dried parsley - I prefer using dried parsley in this recipe as it's a staple in my pantry and also infuses the noodles with its flavor during cooking.

Variations

• Addition of anchovies: Some agio e olio sauce recipes include anchovies for an extra layer of umami flavor. The anchovies are usually minced and sautéed along with the garlic and it melts into the cooked pasta.
• Vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or broccoli to add more texture and nutrients.
• Protein: Stir in raw shrimp or cubed chicken chunks along with the water and then proceed with the recipe, to turn the dish into a heartier meal.
• Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts, toasted pecans or pine nuts can provide a crunchy texture.
• White wine: Replace some of the water with white wine to add a subtle acidity and depth of flavor.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can add a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Lemon zest: Finely grated lemon zest can be added along with the seasonings for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Other pasta shapes: Use any other medium sized pasta shapes instead of spaghetti to make pasta aglio e olio.

How to serve?

This pasta aglio e olio is best served hot straight from the pressure cooker. I like to serve it with some roasted veggies or a side salad to make a complete meal.

Helpful tips

• Salt - Given the simplicity of this recipe, the seasoning plays a crucial role. I found that using ¾th to 1 teaspoon of salt provided ample seasoning and enhanced the taste perfectly. However, feel free to adjust the salt according to your personal preference.
• Butter - Traditional recipes typically calls for olive oil exclusively. While the addition of butter can impart an extra layer of flavor, it's entirely optional. If opting out of using butter, simply use a total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead.
• Fresh parsley - If using fresh parsley, add at the end along with parmesan cheese.