Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe – Quick Garlic Chili Pasta Perfection

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe – Quick Garlic Chili Pasta Perfection

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 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is exactly that. I first made this when I was a student and needed something satisfying fast – and it’s been a staple ever since! It’s simple, relies on just a few key ingredients, and delivers a huge punch of flavor. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any pasta dish. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (which translates to “garlic and oil” in Italian!) is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the spice level or add other veggies to make it your own. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver!

Ingredients

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

• 200 gm spaghetti
• 2-4 tbsp olive oil
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 tbsp chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• 1 tbsp chilli flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because quality really matters here!

• Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! A good quality extra virgin olive oil is key to the flavor. I prefer a fruity, robust one.
• Spaghetti: I usually go for a good quality durum wheat spaghetti. It holds its shape beautifully. You can also experiment with different types – more on that later!
• Chilli Flakes: In India, we have some fantastic Kashmiri chilli flakes that give a beautiful color and mild heat. You can use those, or any good quality chilli flakes you prefer. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance!
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must. Jarred garlic just doesn’t compare.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, get your pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted boiling water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and a drizzle of olive oil. Cook until al dente – usually around 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining! This is liquid gold, trust me.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant – about 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is bitter.
3. Now, add the pine nuts and chilli flakes to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the pine nuts are lightly toasted and the chilli flakes are fragrant.
4. Drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the pan with the garlic and oil. Toss everything together really well.
5. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water – start with a couple of tablespoons – and continue to toss. The pasta water helps create a lovely, emulsified sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. Add more pasta water as needed until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Simmer for about 5 minutes, tossing frequently, to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the garlic, make sure you have enough space in the pan. Overcrowding will steam the garlic instead of sautéing it.
• Pasta Water is Key: Seriously, don’t skip reserving the pasta water! It’s the secret to a creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the salt, pepper, and chilli flakes to your liking.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Skip the parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
• Spice Level Adjustments: If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chilli along with the chilli flakes. My friend, Priya, loves to add a whole bird’s eye chilli!
• Gluten-Free Spaghetti Options: Easily make this gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free spaghetti. There are some great options available now.

Serving Suggestions

This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Grilled chicken or shrimp would be a fantastic protein addition.

Storage Instructions

This is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of olive oil. It won’t be quite as good as fresh, but still tasty!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe easily doubled or tripled? Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly.
• What type of spaghetti works best for Aglio e Olio? Traditionally, spaghetti is used, but you can also use linguine or bucatini.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Not really. It’s best made fresh. The sauce can get a bit gummy if made ahead.
• What can I serve with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio to make it a complete meal? A side salad and some crusty bread are perfect!
• How do I adjust the spice level? Start with less chilli flakes and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Enjoy this simple, flavorful pasta dish! I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!