Simple Homemade Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Garlic and Chili Flakes - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Simple Homemade Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Garlic and Chili Flakes

Ready to whip up something simple, scrumptious, and downright chic? This Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a garlicky, chili-kissed masterpiece made with just a handful of ingredients—and a whole lot of flavor. Let’s turn pantry basics into a pasta party that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

5.0 out of 5 (2 ratings)

There’s something magical about a recipe that takes just a few humble ingredients and transforms them into an unforgettable meal. That’s exactly what Spaghetti Aglio e Olio does—it's like Italian pasta's way of showing off without even trying. This dish is a weeknight hero, a last-minute dinner party savior, and a comfort food champion all in one. The first time I made this, I remember being blown away by how garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes could turn into the kind of meal you keep craving. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this is pasta perfection made simple.

Simple Homemade Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Garlic and Chili Flakes Recipe

So what makes this recipe so special? It's all about the simplicity. With just spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and a touch of salt, you’re creating a dish that feels rustic yet refined. The key players here are the garlic and chili flakes. The garlic is gently sautéed to golden perfection, which releases its mellow sweetness without any bitterness (garlic lovers, rejoice!). Then there’s the chili flakes, which add just enough heat to wake up your tastebuds without overpowering the dish. When those two meet a swirl of al dente pasta, an understated masterpiece takes shape—a pasta dish that’s equal parts elegant and comforting.

Now let’s talk tips, because even a simple dish deserves a bit of finesse. First, don’t rush the garlic—it’s the star of the show, so cook it low and slow in the olive oil until it’s golden and fragrant. If you burn it, well, game over—you’ll need to start again for that perfect balance of flavor. Secondly, reserve a good splash of pasta water before draining your spaghetti! This starchy liquid is the secret to pulling the dish together, creating a silky, flavorful sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Finally, don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if you're feeling fancy; while optional, they add a gorgeous finishing touch.

The beauty of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is that it’s endlessly customizable. Prefer less heat? Dial back the chili flakes. Want to give it a protein boost? Toss in some seared shrimp or crispy pancetta. It’s a dish that works as beautifully on its own as it does alongside a side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that garlicky goodness. So, grab your pantry essentials, fire up the stove, and let this super simple yet stunning pasta transport you straight to the trattorias of Italy. Trust me, you’ll be making this one on repeat!

Keywords: easy spaghetti aglio e olio, homemade pasta with garlic, simple chili spaghetti recipe, quick Italian dinner ideas, best garlic pasta recipe, weeknight pasta recipe easy, pantry staple pasta ideas

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Italian

Ingredients

  • •400g spaghetti
  • •6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • •6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • •1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • •Salt to taste
  • •Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • •Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. 2

    Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

  4. 4

    Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and cook until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

  5. 5

    Add the red chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

  6. 6

    Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the garlic and chili oil.

  7. 7

    If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

  8. 8

    Season with salt to taste and toss together well.

  9. 9

    Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories

450 calories

Protein

10g

Carbs

58g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

A: Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other long pasta varieties like linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair. Short pasta like penne or fusilli can also work, but the texture and sauce coating may differ slightly.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for red chili flakes?

A: If you don't have red chili flakes, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper, freshly chopped chili, or even a dash of hot sauce for a similar heat level. Adjust the quantity to your spice preference.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

A: To prevent garlic from burning, keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. Remove the skillet from heat immediately if the garlic starts to turn dark brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?

A: Yes, this dish is already vegan as long as you omit the optional Parmesan cheese garnish. To replace the Parmesan, you can use nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan Parmesan substitute for a cheesy flavor.

Q: What should I do if the pasta seems too dry?

A: If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. The starchy water helps loosen the pasta and creates a light sauce that coats it evenly.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it?

A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare it in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive its texture.

Q: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

A: You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like cooked shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled chicken for extra protein. For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some grated lemon zest just before serving.

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