Simple Garlic and Chili Oil Spaghetti
Super Easy Oil Pasta Recipe Ready in Minutes
This is an incredibly simple oil pasta recipe for authentic Aglio e Olio, perfect for making at home quickly and easily. The rich aroma of garlic and the gentle spiciness of chili flakes come together, making it an ideal choice to whet your appetite.
Ingredients- Spaghetti for 2 servings (approx. 200g)
- 4-5 cloves garlic (adjust to taste)
- 3-4 dried chili peppers (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for boiling pasta)
- Generous amount of olive oil (approx. 5-6 Tbsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling vigorously, add 1.5 Tbsp of coarse salt and 1 Tbsp of olive oil, then add the spaghetti. Cook for about 8 minutes, which is 1 minute less than the time indicated on the package. Slightly undercooking the pasta will ensure a better texture when stir-fried with the oil later.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, thinly slice the garlic and crush the chili peppers. Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over low heat. Slowly sauté the sliced garlic, allowing its aroma to release fully. It’s crucial to cook the garlic gently over low heat until lightly golden, infusing the oil with its flavor. This step ensures you get the full, savory taste of the garlic.
Step 3
Once the garlic starts releasing a delicious fragrance, add the crushed chili peppers and sauté for about 30 seconds to add their subtle heat. Be careful not to burn the garlic by adjusting the heat. Now, drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the pan. Pour in about 1-2 ladles of the pasta cooking water (starchy water). The olive oil and pasta water will emulsify, creating a wonderful sauce. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 1 minute, shaking the pan (‘shake shake’) to ensure the pasta and sauce are well combined. Season with salt to taste, and add a pinch of pepper if desired for extra flavor. Finally, drizzle with a little more olive oil for a glossy finish. Your delicious oil pasta is ready!
