My Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is a classic Italian pasta dish that celebrates simple ingredients and bold flavors. Fresh garlic sizzles in extra virgin olive oil, releasing its rich aroma before being infused with the heat of red pepper flakes. Tossed with perfectly al dente pasta and finished with a touch of fresh parsley, this dish is effortlessly delicious. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a comforting bowl of garlicky pasta, this classic recipe delivers every time. Buon appetito!
What is Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino?
Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is a classic Italian pasta dish that comes from southern Italy, particularly Naples. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe made with just a few pantry staples—extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and pasta al dente.
The garlic is gently sautéed in olive oil until golden brown, releasing its rich aroma, while the red pepper flakes add a subtle yet spicy kick. Tossed together with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a splash of pasta water, the ingredients create a silky, garlicky oil-based sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Often finished with fresh parsley and, optionally, a sprinkle of pecorino cheese or toasted breadcrumbs, this dish is a staple of Italian food. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with bold flavors—all with minimal effort.
Looking for more? Try my Pasta c'Anciova, Spaghetti alla Carrettiera, Roasted Bell Pepper Pasta, and Pink Sauce Pasta.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Bold Simplicity: This recipe transforms simple ingredients like fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and red pepper flakes into a dish bursting with rich, garlicky flavor.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, this classic pasta dish comes together in under 20 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Perfect Heat: The red pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice, balancing beautifully with the silky garlic-infused oil and fresh parsley.
🥘 Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of this dish, high-quality olive oil infuses the pasta with rich, garlicky flavor. Look for the best quality oil you can find for a smooth, well-balanced taste.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic gently sautéed in olive oil creates the bold, aromatic base of the sauce. Be sure to cook it over medium-low heat to achieve a golden brown color without burning.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These spicy red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat, balancing the dish with a subtle kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference for the best result. You can also opt to finely dice a red chile pepper - especially if you like spicy food.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta for this recipe, spaghetti’s smooth surface perfectly holds the garlicky oil. Cook it until just al dente for the ideal texture. If needed, bucatini or linguine can work as substitutes.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the olive oil and garlic while seasoning the pasta water. Be mindful if adding cheese later, as it can also add saltiness.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish, complementing the richness of the olive oil and the heat from the red pepper flakes.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy cup of pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky, well-coated final dish. Add it gradually to achieve the perfect consistency.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil then add salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions for pasta al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Infuse the Olive Oil: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add extra virgin olive oil. Once warm, add the minced fresh garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic-infused oil. Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water and toss vigorously over medium-high heat, allowing the sauce to emulsify and coat the pasta evenly.
Finish with Fresh Parsley: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. If desired, drizzle in a bit more extra virgin olive oil for a richer finish.
Serve Immediately: Divide the spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino into bowls and enjoy while hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese or Muddica Atturrata. Buon appetito!
👩🏼🍳 Tips & Notes
- Cook the garlic over medium-low heat and stir frequently to ensure it turns a perfect golden brown without burning. Burnt garlic can add a bitter flavor, so keep a close eye on it for the best result!
- Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is key to creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Use high quality extra virgin olive oil you can find, as it’s the backbone of this dish and greatly impacts the flavor.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Spicy Swap: If red pepper flakes aren’t available, finely chop a fresh chili pepper for a vibrant, spicier kick that still stays true to the dish’s essence.
Pasta Alternatives: Don’t have spaghetti? Use bucatini, linguine, or even fresh pasta for a unique twist while maintaining the classic Italian feel.
Hearty Addition: For a more filling meal, toss in sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken—these proteins pair beautifully with the garlicky, spicy flavors.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairing: Enjoy Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad tossed with fresh parsley and extra virgin olive oil for a light, complementary meal.
Wine Match: Pair this classic pasta dish with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a dry Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the garlic flavor and balance the spice from the red pepper flakes.
Authentic Italian Meal: Serve this garlicky pasta with grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, and finish the meal with a traditional dessert like fresh fruit or tiramisu. Buon appetito!
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, but this dish is best enjoyed fresh. The sauce relies on the silky emulsification of pasta water and olive oil, which can lose its texture when reheated. If you must prepare it ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, toss them together in a skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water or extra olive oil to refresh the sauce.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra virgin olive oil to loosen the sauce. Toss gently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the pasta and alter the flavor of the sauce.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
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Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions for al dente.
- Prepare the sauce: Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the oil is infused. Avoid browning the garlic.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the spaghetti directly to the skillet using tongs, along with ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Turn the heat to medium-high and toss the pasta continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and, if desired, drizzle with additional olive oil. Serve immediately.
🌡️ Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Meghan Birnbaum
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! It's such a quick and delicious pasta dish to make! Let me know what you think too!