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 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

0 items

Cost

£1.50/serving

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

Instructions

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."