Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes served in a white bowl

Pasta recipes

spaghetti aglio e olio with chili flakes

By:

WordofMany

Published:

08 Sept 2025

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Aglio e Olio – garlic and oil – that's what it translates to from Italian. And it's exactly what it is! This dish is a testament to how incredible simple cooking can be. My earliest memory of eating Aglio e Olio was at a small trattoria in Rome; the flavors were so vibrant and fresh, it was just mind blowing! It's one of those dishes that proves you don't need a ton of ingredients to create something truly amazing. Seriously, why complicate things? I think it is okay to make things simple. What do you think?
spaghetti aglio e olio ingredients laid out on a wooden table
The beauty of this dish lies in the quality of the ingredients and the technique. Using good olive oil and fresh garlic is crucial! The chili flakes add a touch of heat that elevates the dish, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking – I like to go easy on the chili flakes! It's a recipe that allows for creativity; a little bit of lemon zest for brightness, some toasted breadcrumbs for texture, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (although purists might disagree!). Honestly, its all up to you, isn't it?
close up shot of spaghetti aglio e olio being tossed in a pan

Required Equipments

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes: Frequently Asked Questions

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a simple yet flavorful dish, comes together with just a handful of ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. This classic Italian pasta is ready in minutes, offering a quick and satisfying meal with a spicy kick.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial for cooking the pasta properly; don't skimp on the salt!
  2. Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining; this is liquid gold!
  3. While the pasta is cooking, peel and thinly slice the garlic. You want it thin so it cooks evenly and infuses the oil with its flavor. Don't burn it though!
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is lightly golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and oil. Toss well to coat. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Adding pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it cling to the noodles.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the chili flakes if you want more heat.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired. A little extra drizzle of olive oil never hurts either!

📝 Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use good quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your spice preference.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 10 g

Fat: 15 g

Carbohydrates: 50 g

Fiber: 3 g

Calcium: 30 mg

Simplicity is the soul of efficiency.

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