Spaghetti Aglio Olio E Peperoncino

Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is one of Italy’s most beloved comfort dishes—simple, rustic, yet full of character.

With just garlic, olive oil, and fresh chili, it transforms everyday pantry ingredients into a bold, aromatic pasta that celebrates the beauty of minimal cooking.

This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want something quick but deeply satisfying, where the fragrance of gently toasted garlic and chili fills the kitchen and invites everyone to the table. It’s a timeless classic that proves great flavor doesn’t need complexity—only quality ingredients and a little care.

Why People Will Love Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino:

Pure simplicity with bold flavor
Only a few ingredients, yet the taste is rich, garlicky, and perfectly balanced with gentle heat.

Quick and effortless to make
Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals—ready in under 20 minutes.

Highlights the quality of ingredients
When you use excellent olive oil and fresh garlic, the dish tastes elegant and authentic.

Comforting and satisfying
A warm bowl of this pasta feels cozy, classic, and deeply fulfilling.

Perfect for garlic lovers
The toasted garlic aroma is the signature of this dish and makes it irresistible.

Easily adjustable for spice level
Add more or less chili depending on your taste, making it suitable for everyone.

A true Italian classic
Loved around the world for its traditional roots and timeless appeal.

Pairs well with many additions
You can enjoy it as is, or add shrimp, parsley, lemon zest, or Parmesan for a personal touch.

Light yet flavorful
It doesn’t feel heavy, so it’s great for both lunch and dinner.

A pantry-friendly lifesaver
Everything you need is usually already in your kitchen, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking.

Key Ingredients

Spaghetti
The foundation of the dish—long, elegant pasta that perfectly absorbs the garlic-infused olive oil.

Garlic
The soul of the recipe. When gently sautéed, it releases a warm, aromatic flavor that defines this classic Italian pasta.

Fresh Chili Pepper
Brings a vibrant, subtle heat that awakens the palate and balances the richness of the olive oil.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The heart of the sauce. High-quality olive oil creates a silky texture and carries all the flavors beautifully.

Salt
Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing the natural taste of each ingredient.

Expert Tips

Use the best olive oil you can find
Since olive oil is the base of the sauce, its quality makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

Cook the garlic gently over low heat
Garlic should become lightly golden and fragrant, never brown or burnt. Burnt garlic turns the sauce bitter.

Remove the garlic core before slicing
This small step keeps the flavor sweet and prevents harshness.

Control the heat with chili seeds
Keep the seeds for more spice, or remove them for a milder, more balanced flavor.

Reserve pasta cooking water
The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and helping the oil coat the spaghetti evenly.

Finish the pasta in the pan
Tossing the spaghetti with the garlic oil allows the flavors to fully blend and cling to the noodles.

Do not overcrowd the pan with oil
Too much oil will make the dish greasy. The goal is a light, glossy coating.

Add fresh herbs at the end for brightness
Parsley or basil gives freshness and color that elevate the dish.

Serve immediately while hot
This pasta is best enjoyed right away when the garlic aroma is at its peak.

For extra depth, add a pinch of lemon zest or Parmesan
These small additions bring complexity without overpowering the classic flavor.

Spaghetti Aglio Olio E Peperoncino

Ingredients:

Spaghetti 320 g

3 cloves garlic

Fresh chili pepper 3

Extra virgin olive oil (excellent quality) 70 g

Salt to taste

Instructions:

To prepare the spaghetti with garlic, oil and chilli, start by cooking the pasta in boiling salted water to taste.

Cook the spaghetti al dente and in the meantime you can prepare the sauce: peel the garlic cloves, divide them in half and remove the core (the central green part of each segment).

Cut the segments into rather thin slices.

Take the fresh chilli pepper and cut it into slices eliminating the stalk.

If you prefer less spiciness, you can open it lengthwise and remove the seeds before cutting it into slices. Now pour the oil into a large pan.

Heat it over a low heat and add the garlic and chili pepper.

Fry the seasoning over a very low heat, the chilli and garlic should not burn but only fry for a couple of minutes and for uniform browning without the risk of burning them, you can tilt the pan so as to collect oil and seasoning in a single point and allow uniform browning.

Once the pasta is cooked al dente, you can transfer it directly to the pan and add a ladle of cooking water.

Stir for a few moments to blend the flavors and sauté everything, then you can plate your spaghetti with garlic, oil and chilli to serve piping hot!

Important Notes When Making Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

This is a minimalist Italian classic
The recipe relies on technique and ingredient quality rather than many components, so each element matters.

The garlic must not burn
Cook it slowly over very low heat. Burned garlic will make the entire dish taste bitter.

Use fresh chili for the most authentic flavor
Dried chili flakes can be used, but fresh chili gives a brighter, cleaner heat.

Salt your pasta water generously
This is the only chance to season the pasta itself and bring balance to the simple sauce.

Reserve some of the pasta cooking water
Adding it to the pan helps create a light, emulsified sauce that coats the spaghetti smoothly.

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Cook the spaghetti just to al dente
It will finish cooking in the pan with the sauce, absorbing more flavor.

Do not use too much oil
The pasta should be glossy, not greasy. The goal is a balanced, silky finish.

Serve immediately for the best taste and texture
This dish is meant to be enjoyed hot, right after tossing, when the flavors are freshest.

It’s easy to customize without losing its identity
You can add parsley, shrimp, or Parmesan, but keep the core flavors simple.

Perfect for quick meals, yet elegant enough for guests
It shows how basic ingredients can become extraordinary when treated properly.

How to Enjoy Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino After Cooking

Serve It Immediately

This pasta is best enjoyed right after tossing in the pan. The garlic aroma and chili heat are at their peak when served hot and fresh.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. It adds brightness, color, and a refreshing contrast to the rich olive oil and garlic.

Add Optional Garnishes

For extra depth, you can finish the dish with:

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
A drizzle of high-quality olive oil
A touch of lemon zest for a light citrus lift

Pair with Drinks

This dish pairs beautifully with:

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Sparkling water with lemon
A light Italian beer

Serve with Simple Sides

To keep the meal balanced, enjoy it alongside:

A fresh green salad
Garlic bread or bruschetta
Roasted vegetables

Adjust the Heat Before Eating

If you want more spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or sliced fresh chili. For less heat, squeeze a bit of lemon juice to mellow the flavor.

Enjoy the Simplicity

This recipe is about appreciating clean, pure flavors. Take time to savor the silky texture of the pasta coated in fragrant garlic oil.

Store and Reheat

Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a small splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Values are calculated per serving, based on 4 servings total.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Yes, you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of fresh chili peppers you use or by removing the seeds for a milder flavor.

How do I ensure the garlic doesn’t burn?

Fry the garlic and chili peppers over very low heat and stir constantly.

You can also tilt the pan to gather the oil and seasonings in one spot to prevent burning.

Can I use dried chili flakes instead of fresh chili peppers?

Yes, you can substitute fresh chili peppers with dried chili flakes.

Adjust the quantity based on your preference for spiciness.

What type of olive oil should I use?

Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

It adds richness to the dish.

How do I cook the spaghetti to al dente?

Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions, usually about 1-2 minutes less than the suggested cooking time for a firm, chewy texture.

What should I do with the pasta water?

Reserve a ladle of pasta cooking water before draining.

Adding a bit of this starchy water to the sauce helps bind everything together and adds silkiness.

Can I add other ingredients to this dish?

While traditionally simple, you can add ingredients like shrimp, cherry tomatoes, or parsley to personalize the dish.

How do I reheat leftover spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino?

Gently reheat in a pan with a splash of olive oil or a bit of pasta water to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Is spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino a vegetarian dish?

Yes, if prepared without meat or animal-derived ingredients, it is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta like linguine or fettuccine.

Adjust cooking times according to the pasta shape’s instructions.