Reviewed: Feb. 18, 2008

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.

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203 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

naples34102

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Living In: Mequon, Wisconsin, USA

Reviewed: Jul. 23, 2007

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.

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125 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Kevin

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Living In: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Reviewed: May 1, 2000

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!!

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47 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

CAITY-O

Reviewed: Mar. 18, 2008

AMAZING recipe!! My husband and I enjoyed this dish. It was easy to cook with the time crunch I was in and the spices gave it the "kick" I like in sauces. DON'T change a thing!! It's very good and if you use the right pasta, it's healthy as well.

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34 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

palemoon21

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: May 12, 2010

This is a great side dish, but frankly I could eat it as a main dish all by itself because it's just that good. I topped it with a bit of parmesan and it was perfect!

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32 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Jillian

Cooking Level: Expert

Living In: Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA

Reviewed: Mar. 2, 2008

This was fantastic! I however added a lot more garlic than the recipe called for. I also added a handfull of whole garlic cloves. It took about 7 minutes longer to cook with the whole garlic cloves. Next time i make this i will also try to add some fresh steamed veggies to the mix!

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31 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

barrtopia

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Rochester, Michigan, USA

Reviewed: Sep. 28, 2007

I loved it! I added extra garlic and sprinkled grated parmesan cheese on top. Yum! I served it with broccoli, which was very good with it.

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21 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Nancy F

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Milford, Delaware, USA

Living In: Newark, Delaware, USA

Reviewed: Mar. 4, 2008

This recipe is soooooo yummy. Its especially great for a light lunch. Its so quick and easy it has quickly become one of my favorites.

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20 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

MamaAlly

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Apple Valley, California, USA

Living In: Miami Springs, Florida, USA

Reviewed: Feb. 12, 2003

I really liked this dish. I will make it a lot when it is just me for dinner since it is so easy to adjust for just one person. My husband didn't care for it, but he can't stand not having meat for dinner. The taste is really very mild and subtle.

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19 users found this review helpful