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- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet full of flavor. You only need a few main ingredients. The spaghetti serves as a tasty base. Garlic gives the dish its rich aroma. Extra virgin olive oil adds a silky texture. Red chili flakes bring heat and excitement. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, while lemon zest adds a zing. Feel free to adjust the chili flakes to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more. For those who love cheese, grated Parmesan is a great choice. A sprinkle of salt and pepper will enhance every bite. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. Enjoy making this classic dish! To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This will help flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should still have a little bite. Reserve one cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Next, grab a large skillet. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced garlic. Stir it gently. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. You want the garlic to turn golden brown, about three to four minutes. Be careful here! If the garlic burns, it will taste bitter. Now, it’s time to add some heat. Stir in the red chili flakes and sauté for about thirty seconds. This helps to release the chili flavor. After that, add your drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the garlic oil to coat it well. If the pasta looks dry, add some of that reserved pasta water. This will help create a nice sauce. Once everything is combined, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest. These add freshness. Finally, season your dish with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you like cheese, feel free to sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious dish! For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To make great garlic oil, watch the heat. Start with medium heat. Too high can burn the garlic. Burnt garlic tastes bad. Stir the garlic often. Cook it until golden brown, which takes about 3-4 minutes. The smell will be amazing! If you burn it, start over; it’s not worth it. Want more heat? Adjust the chili flakes in the recipe. Start with 1 teaspoon. If you like it spicy, add more! You can also try other heat sources. Fresh chili, jalapeños, or hot sauce can add fun flavors. Just remember to balance the heat with the garlic oil. Want to make this dish vegan? Skip the cheese, and it’s still tasty! You can add more veggies, like spinach or broccoli, to boost flavor and nutrition. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free spaghetti. It cooks a bit differently, so check the package for directions. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can enhance your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio in simple ways. Adding sun-dried tomatoes gives a sweet, tangy taste. These dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and rich flavor. You can chop them and toss them in with the garlic. Olives or capers also bring a new layer of taste. Their briny flavor contrasts well with the garlic and oil. Just chop them up and mix them in for a salty surprise. While parsley shines in this dish, you can try other herbs too. Fresh basil adds a sweet, aromatic note. Just tear the leaves and sprinkle them before serving. Oregano offers a warm, earthy flavor. It works well with the garlic and oil. You can use fresh or dried oregano, depending on what you have. Seasonal greens like spinach or arugula can also add a fresh twist. Just toss them in right before serving for a vibrant touch. If you want protein in your pasta, grilled chicken is a great choice. Slice it thin and mix it in after you toss the spaghetti. The chicken absorbs the flavors nicely. Shrimp is another tasty option. Cook it in the garlic oil for a quick, seafood twist. The shrimp will soak up that garlic goodness. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and a hearty feel. Just heat them up in the pan and mix them in with the pasta. For the full recipe, check out the details above! When you have leftovers of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, store them right. Let the pasta cool before putting it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This way, it won’t dry out or absorb other smells. The pasta lasts about three to four days in the fridge. To reheat, you have two good options: the stovetop or the microwave. For the stovetop, add a splash of olive oil to a skillet. Heat it on low, then add the pasta. Stir gently until it's warm. This helps keep the pasta moist and tasty. If you choose the microwave, put the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little water or olive oil, cover it, and heat in 30-second bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, but it’s best to skip the garlic. Cook the pasta, cool it, and place it in a freezer bag. Remember to squeeze out the air before sealing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as described above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal later without losing flavor. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian dish. It comes from Naples and means "spaghetti with garlic and oil." The dish is simple, using just a few ingredients. You mainly need spaghetti, garlic, and olive oil. Many Italians enjoy it as a quick meal. Variations exist, like adding anchovies or parsley. To add heat, simply increase the red chili flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also use fresh red chilies or chili oil for more flavor. Sauté them in the olive oil with the garlic. This step brings out their heat and makes the dish more exciting. Yes, you can make a vegan version. Just leave out the cheese and use extra herbs for flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for a cheesy taste. It adds a nice umami flavor without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio pairs well with many dishes. A light salad with lemon dressing is a great choice. Crusty bread also complements it nicely. For wine, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc works well. It balances the spice and richness of the oil. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is simple yet full of flavor. We covered the key ingredients, like garlic and olive oil. Cooking steps help you create the dish perfectly. You learned tips for spice and storage, plus variations to try. Remember, this dish is versatile and fun. Don’t shy away from customizing it to your taste. Enjoy making your own version of this classic dish!

22. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes

Get ready to spice up your dinner with Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Fiery Twist! This quick and delicious recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic oil with a kick of red chili flakes and fresh lemon zest. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a meal that is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.

    Prepare the Garlic Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently, stirring frequently until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.

      Add Heat: Stir in the red chili flakes and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor.

        Combine with Pasta: Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the oil. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

          Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

            Serve: Plate the spaghetti and drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if using.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                - Serving Suggestions: Garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a pop of color, and serve alongside a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!