- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, but do not rinse.
- Finely mince garlic and thinly slice fresh red chilies.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add garlic and chilies, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds - 1 minute).
- Add cooked pasta to the pan. Toss well to coat with the garlic-chili oil.
- Season with salt to taste and toss for 1-2 minutes on medium heat.
- Serve immediately, optionally topped with vegan cheese or parsley.
- Calories:400 kcal25%
- Energy:1673 kJ22%
- Protein:10 g28%
- Carbohydrates:60 mg40%
- Sugar:2 mg8%
- Salt:300 g25%
- Fat:15 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Spicy Garlic Chilli Angel Hair Pasta Recipe – Quick Indian-Italian Fusion
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavourful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Spicy Garlic Chilli Angel Hair Pasta is exactly that. It’s a little bit Indian, a little bit Italian, and a whole lot delicious! I first whipped this up when I was craving something spicy and comforting, and it’s been a weeknight staple ever since. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average pasta dish. The simple combination of garlic, red chillies, and olive oil creates a surprisingly complex flavour that’s both warming and invigorating. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your spice preference and dietary needs. Honestly, what’s not to love?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavour bomb:
- 300 gm Angel hair pasta
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic flakes (or 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 3 red chillies, thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:
- Angel Hair Pasta: This is key! Its delicate texture really shines with this simple sauce. It cooks super quickly too – about 3-5 minutes.
- Olive Oil: Don’t skimp here. A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add so much flavour.
- Red Chillies: Feel free to experiment with different varieties. Bird’s eye chillies will give you a serious kick, while Kashmiri chillies offer more flavour and less heat. Adjust the quantity based on how spicy you like things!
- Garlic: I often use garlic flakes for convenience, but fresh garlic is fantastic too. If using fresh, mince it finely to release all those lovely aromas.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business!
- First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente – usually around 3-5 minutes. Don’t overcook it!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red chillies. Sauté gently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent it from sticking together.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the garlic-chilli oil. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt to taste and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes on medium heat. This helps the flavours meld together beautifully.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the garlic and chillies. This will lower the temperature and prevent them from becoming fragrant.
- If you like a really intense flavour, you can add a pinch of red chilli powder along with the fresh chillies.
- Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and spice levels to your liking.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just skip any cheese topping. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavour.
- Spice Level Adjustment:
- Mild: Use only 1 red chilli and remove the seeds.
- Medium: Use 2 red chillies with some seeds.
- Hot: Use 3 or more red chillies and leave the seeds in!
- Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Simply substitute the angel hair pasta with your favourite gluten-free pasta.
- Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation: My friend Sarah adds some pre-cooked shrimp or chicken to this for extra protein. It’s a great way to make it a more substantial meal.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving:
- A sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
- A side of garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
This pasta is best served immediately. However, 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 little bit of water or olive oil.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
- Is this dish best served immediately? Yes, absolutely! The pasta tends to absorb the sauce over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? You can, but angel hair pasta really is the star here. If you must substitute, spaghetti or linguine would be the closest alternatives.
- How can I adjust the spice level? As mentioned above, adjust the number of chillies and whether or not you include the seeds.
- What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking? Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking is key. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when tossing it with the sauce.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Not really. The pasta will get mushy if you make it too far in advance. It’s best to cook the pasta right before serving.
Enjoy this quick and easy Spicy Garlic Chilli Angel Hair Pasta! I hope it becomes a favourite in your kitchen too. Let me know what you think in the comments below!