Spicy Garlic Spaghetti Recipe – Quick Chili Flake Pasta

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Garlic Spaghetti Recipe – Quick Chili Flake Pasta

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Spicy Garlic Spaghetti is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend all day cooking, and it’s been a weeknight staple ever since. It’s seriously so good – garlicky, a little spicy, and totally satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another spaghetti recipe. It’s a flavor bomb! The combination of garlic, chili flakes, and a generous sprinkle of cheese is just… chef’s kiss. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks, but flavorful enough to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 2 liters water
• 1 tbsp salt
• 300g spaghetti pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1.5 tsp chili flakes (more or less to taste!)
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 3 tbsp grated cheese

Ingredient Notes

A few little things that can make a big difference:

• Chili Flakes: Don’t be shy with these! They’re what give this pasta its kick. Start with 1.5 tsp and add more if you like things extra spicy. I sometimes add a little extra just for fun!
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil really shines here. It adds a lovely fruity flavor.
• Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano adds a lovely salty tang. Feel free to experiment! A blend of both is also amazing. About 90 grams of grated cheese will do the trick.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, bring 2 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tbsp of salt – this seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Add 300g of spaghetti pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, or until it’s al dente – meaning it still has a little bite. Don’t overcook it!
3. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water. Seriously, don’t skip this step! It’s liquid gold.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Now, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add 5 cloves of chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant – about a minute. You want it golden, not burnt!
6. Add 1 tsp of chili flakes and sauté for another minute. This blooms the spices and releases their flavor.
7. Pour in the reserved pasta water and mix well. This creates a lovely, light sauce.
8. Add the cooked pasta, 1 tsp of mixed herbs, and another ½ tsp of chili flakes (or more, if you’re feeling brave!). Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
9. Finally, sprinkle with 3 tbsp of grated cheese and mix until melted and combined.

Expert Tips

• Salt Your Pasta Water: Seriously, it makes a huge difference!
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is the way to go.
• Reserve Enough Pasta Water: You might need a little more to adjust the sauce consistency.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of dairy butter and cheese. It’s surprisingly delicious!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti.
• Spice Level Adjustments: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the chili flakes. If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation: My friend Sarah always adds pre-cooked chicken or shrimp to this for a complete meal. It’s a great way to add protein!

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Garlic Spaghetti is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

• A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
• A sprinkle of extra cheese and chili flakes for garnish.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne, linguine, or fettuccine would all work well.

2. How can I adjust the spice level of this spaghetti?

Start with less chili flakes and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

3. What is the best way to reserve pasta water?

Before draining the pasta, use a measuring cup to scoop out about ½ cup of the water.

4. Can this dish be made ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the pasta and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and combine just before serving.

5. What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of both are all great choices.

6. Can I add vegetables to this Spicy Garlic Spaghetti?

Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!