Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino Also: Garlic and Oil Pasta, Midnight Pasta
Gluten: Likely contains restriction
Fish: Check with staff
Vegetarian: Check with staff

Dried spaghetti tossed with golden garlic slices, olive oil, dried red chili, and parsley. One of Rome's simplest pasta preparations, made from pantry staples and ready in the time it takes the pasta to cook.

Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.

Your dietary restrictions

The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.

Full allergen breakdown

Ingredients

  • dried spaghetti
  • garlic
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • dried peperoncino (chili)
  • fresh parsley

Hidden Ingredients

These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.

  • no hidden allergens in the traditional preparation
  • no cheese — this is one of the few Italian pastas where dairy is absent by tradition
  • some restaurants add anchovies — ask if unclear

Allergen Breakdown

Dairy-Free

Likely OK

Traditional preparation contains no dairy. Confirm no cheese is added.

Gluten-Free

Likely contains restriction

Spaghetti is made from durum wheat semolina.

Peanut-Free

Likely OK

No peanuts in aglio e olio.

Tree Nut-Free

Likely OK

No tree nuts in aglio e olio.

Shellfish-Free

Likely OK

No shellfish in aglio e olio.

Egg-Free

Likely OK

Dried spaghetti contains no egg (semolina + water).

Fish-Free

Check with staff

Traditional recipe is fish-free but some chefs add anchovies. Ask to confirm no anchovies.

Soy-Free

Likely OK

No soy in aglio e olio.

Sesame-Free

Likely OK

No sesame in aglio e olio.

Vegetarian

Check with staff

Some restaurants add anchovies for depth of flavor. Ask if anchovies are used.

Key risk: Spaghetti aglio e olio is one of Italy's safest pasta dishes for dairy and egg allergies. It is dried pasta (no egg), no cheese, and no cream. The traditional version is olive oil and garlic only. The risk is restaurants that add anchovies (fish) or a cheese garnish — both of which are non-traditional additions but not uncommon.

Checking dishes one at a time? Menu Decoder scans the whole menu at once.

Scan a menu now

Other Italian dishes to check

At the restaurant, the menu will have dozens of dishes you haven't checked.

Menu Decoder scans the actual menu in front of you and checks every dish against your dietary profile in seconds.

Scan a menu now

Important: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.