Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Twist

There is a reason why Spaghetti Aglio e Olio has withstood the ages as one of Italy’s favorite pasta dishes. This seemingly uncomplicated recipe, born in Rome’s humble cooking traditions, illustrates that sublime taste need not rely on elaborate methods or costly components. It’s at its heart a work of minimalism – only pasta, garlic, oil, and chili, all in exquisite harmony. But don’t be misled by the simple list of ingredients, when prepared well, this dish is going to have rich, sophisticated flavors that will have your taste buds singing.

Our take is true to the original preparation with a few expertly developed chef’s secrets added in to take it to the next level. The magic starts with garlic prepared in two forms – thinly cut for crunchy golden bits that contribute texture, and infused gently into high-quality olive oil for full, aromatic taste. The spice is provided by your selection of hot fresh peperoncini or universal chili flakes so you can personalize the heat level to your desire. A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley provides the ideal bright, herbaceous finish that counteracts the richness.

Picture flawlessly cooked al dente spaghetti, every strand lovingly slathered in glistening, golden olive oil that has had the very essence of garlic infused into it. Each forkful brings a symphony of textures and flavors – the satisfying chew of exquisitely cooked pasta, the subtle crunch of garlic chips, the gentle warmth of chili that increases with each bite, and the fresh burst of parsley that ties it all together. The virtue of this dish is its sophisticated restraint – there’s nowhere for unimpressive ingredients or techniques to hide, so every component has to shine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🕒 15-minute magic: Faster than takeout, fancier than delivery.

🧄 Garlic two ways: Thinly sliced for crispy bits + infused oil for depth.

🌶️ Adjustable heat: Mild or fiery—you control the chili.

🍝 Pantry hero: Uses basic ingredients you already have.

💡 Chef’s twist: A secret parsley stem infusion for extra herbaceous flavor.

Ingredients

(Serves 2)

Pasta & Sauce

👉 340g linguine or spaghetti (De Cecco or bronze-die for best texture)

👉 160ml extra virgin olive oil (the good stuff—it’s the star!)

👉 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (about 3mm thick)

👉 1 tsp chili flakes or 2-3 fresh peperoncini, sliced (seeds = heat!)

👉 15g parsley, finely chopped (leaves + tender stems)

👉 1 whole parsley leaf (for garnish)

👉 Salt to taste (use pasta water wisely!)

Secret Weapon

👉 Parsley stems: Simmered in oil for 2 minutes before removing (adds herbaceous depth).

Instructions

📌 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in well-salted water (like the sea!) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

📌 Step 2: Infuse the Oil

👉 Heat olive oil in a large pan over low heat. Add parsley stems and let simmer for 2 minutes. Remove stems.

👉 Add garlic slices and cook until fragrant and pale gold (3-4 minutes). Don’t let them brown—bitter danger!

👉 Stir in chili flakes (or fresh pepperoncini) and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spice.

📌 Step 3: Finish the Dish

👉 Add drained pasta to the pan with ½ cup pasta water. Toss vigorously—the starch will emulsify the oil into a silky sauce.

👉 Fold in chopped parsley and toss again. Need more sauce? Add pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.

Serving Suggestions

🍽️ Classic: Serve with a parsley leaf garnish and extra chili flakes.

🍞 Upgrade: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or vegan Parmesan.

🥗 Pair with: A bitter greens salad (arugula + lemon).

Chef’s Secrets

Garlic texture: Thin slices crisp up; minced garlic burns too fast.

Oil temp: Keep it low—garlic should sizzle gently, not fry aggressively.

Parsley stems: Don’t waste them! They add a subtle grassy note to the oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Can I use minced garlic?

No, slices give better texture and won’t burn as easily.

💬 Too oily?

Toss more aggressively! The pasta water will bind it.

💬 Vegan version?

Already is! Just skip cheese garnish.

Final Thoughts

This dish is minimalism at its finest—garlic, chili, and oil transformed into something magical. It’s my go-to for late-night cravings, date nights, or when I need a reminder that the best food doesn’t need complications.

👉 Tag @VeganEatsAndTreats if you make it—I’ll feature your creation!