Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili

A classic Italian pasta dish featuring garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Simple, quick, and bursting with flavor.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

Calories

1240

Level

Easy

Yields

2 servings

Cost

£1.50

Meal Type:

Dinner

Cuisine:

Italian•Mediterranean

Main Ingredient:

Cooking Style:

Occasion:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

200gspaghetti

£0.35

6cloves garlic, thinly sliced

£0.20

0.5cupextra virgin olive oil

£1.20

1teaspoonsred pepper flakes(or to taste)

£0.15

0.3cupreserved pasta water

Salt, to taste

£0.01

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

£0.05

2tablespoonschopped fresh parsley(optional)

£0.30

Grated Parmesan cheese(optional)

£0.75

Total Cost

£3.01

£1.50 per serving

The Method

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the garlic and oil.
4
Toss the pasta to coat it in the oil and garlic mixture. Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Stir in the chopped parsley (if using).
6
Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (250g)

1240 kcal / 5186 kJ

Carbs

46g

18% of RDA

Fat

122g

174% of RDA

Protein

17g

34% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

3 g

10% of RDA

Sugar

1 g

1% of RDA

Sodium

13 mg

1% of RDA

Saturated Fat

18 g

90% of RDA

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Dessert

Lemon and Olive Oil Cake with Rosemary

A light and fragrant cake that perfectly complements a spicy Mediterranean meal. The lemon cuts through richness, while the olive oil and rosemary add depth and complexity.

50 minutes

6 servings

Easy

"This dessert continues the Mediterranean theme with bright citrus notes that cleanse the palate after the spicy pasta. The olive oil keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle fruity flavor, while the rosemary provides an herbaceous counterpoint to the sweetness, creating a sophisticated and balanced finish."