Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes. Linguine and fettuccine both work well because they hold the oil-based sauce.

Is parmesan traditional for aglio e olio?

Traditionally it is often served without cheese, but a little parmesan is common in home versions.

How can I make it less spicy?

Reduce chili flakes or use a milder chili.

01 March 2026

Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio Style)

Name: Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio Style)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 225 g spaghetti; 80 ml extra virgin olive oil; 8 cloves garlic (thinly sliced); 1 tsp red chili flakes (or finely chopped fresh chili); 375 ml pasta water (reserved); 1 piece parsley stem (for infusing); 20 g parsley (chopped); lemon zest (optional, to finish); parmesan (optional, for serving)

RecipeShare Test Kitchen

Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio Style)

This is a fast pantry pasta built from garlic, olive oil, chili, and parsley. It follows an aglio e olio style method where technique matters more than long ingredient lists.

When cooked carefully, the sauce is silky, aromatic, and lightly spicy.

Why This Recipe Works

Low-heat garlic infusion builds flavor without burning. Pasta water emulsifies with olive oil to create a glossy coating that clings to noodles.

A final parsley addition lifts richness and keeps the dish tasting fresh.

Ingredient Notes

Use good olive oil since it is the backbone of the sauce. Slice garlic evenly so it cooks at the same pace.

If you like a brighter finish, lemon zest works well at plating.

High-Level Method

Cook pasta and reserve water. Infuse oil with garlic and chili, add pasta water to emulsify, then toss pasta until glossy.

Serve immediately while the sauce is fluid.

Storage and Reheating

Best eaten fresh. If needed, refrigerate up to 2 days and reheat gently with a small splash of water and olive oil.

Serving & Goal Fit

Recommended serving size is 1 plate, paired with a protein side or extra vegetables for a more complete meal.

On training days, add +50 g cooked rice or 1 piece of fruit if needed. On rest days, reduce total carbs slightly by serving a smaller pasta portion.

Protein swaps: grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Vegetable add-ins: spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, peas, green beans, courgette, frozen mixed veg, or tenderstem broccoli.

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

20 mins

Servings

Tools Used

Large Pot SkilletTongsStrainer

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Comments & Reviews

BakedByGuy
9/19/2025
This is now in my weekly rotation.
Vanny
9/19/2025
I reduced the garlic slightly and it still worked.
Danni
9/19/2025
Simple, quick, and really tasty.
Mai
9/19/2025
This has been a household staple for us too.
Christian Ramacciani
9/18/2025
Eight garlic cloves gave big flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 plate

Calories 500

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 22g28%

Saturated Fat 9g45%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 5mg2%

Sodium 180mg8%

Total Carbohydrates 65g24%

Dietary Fiber 3g11%

Sugars 2g

Protein 12g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

01 March 2026

Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio Style)

RecipeShare Test Kitchen

Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio Style)

This is a fast pantry pasta built from garlic, olive oil, chili, and parsley. It follows an aglio e olio style method where technique matters more than long ingredient lists.

When cooked carefully, the sauce is silky, aromatic, and lightly spicy.

Why This Recipe Works

Low-heat garlic infusion builds flavor without burning. Pasta water emulsifies with olive oil to create a glossy coating that clings to noodles.

A final parsley addition lifts richness and keeps the dish tasting fresh.

Ingredient Notes

Use good olive oil since it is the backbone of the sauce. Slice garlic evenly so it cooks at the same pace.

If you like a brighter finish, lemon zest works well at plating.

High-Level Method

Cook pasta and reserve water. Infuse oil with garlic and chili, add pasta water to emulsify, then toss pasta until glossy.

Serve immediately while the sauce is fluid.

Storage and Reheating

Best eaten fresh. If needed, refrigerate up to 2 days and reheat gently with a small splash of water and olive oil.

Serving & Goal Fit

Recommended serving size is 1 plate, paired with a protein side or extra vegetables for a more complete meal.

On training days, add +50 g cooked rice or 1 piece of fruit if needed. On rest days, reduce total carbs slightly by serving a smaller pasta portion.

Protein swaps: grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Vegetable add-ins: spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, peas, green beans, courgette, frozen mixed veg, or tenderstem broccoli.