Spaghetti with garlic, oil, and chili pepper

Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino: A Symphony of Flavors

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino is a classic Italian recipe, enjoyed over time by pasta lovers around the world. This simple yet delicious recipe brings together a few essential ingredients that create a memorable culinary experience. Extra virgin olive oil, fragrant garlic, and spicy chili intertwine perfectly, offering not only an intense flavor but also a unique texture. Additionally, it is a quick dish to prepare, ideal for family meals or a romantic dinner.

Essential Ingredients

- 200 g spaghetti
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1-2 small dried chili peppers, crushed
- Salt (about 1 teaspoon for each liter of water)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)

Ingredient Details

- Spaghetti: Choose high-quality spaghetti, preferably made from durum wheat, for a perfect al dente texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This is the ingredient that makes the difference. Buy a quality olive oil with a fruity aroma.
- Garlic: Use fresh cloves, as the flavor is much more intense compared to dried garlic.
- Chili pepper: You can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance. Experimenting with different types of chili peppers can add a personal touch to your recipe.

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

1. Boiling the Spaghetti: Start by filling a large pot with a few liters of water and adding salt (about one teaspoon for each liter). Taste the water - it should be slightly salty. Place the pot over high heat and wait for it to boil. When the water is boiling, add the whole spaghetti and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until al dente.

2. Draining and Cooling the Pasta: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well in a colander. It is important to rinse it quickly under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

3. Preparing the Sauce: While the pasta is boiling, you can prepare the sauce. Finely chop the garlic cloves and put the olive oil in a pan over low heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and crushed chili pepper. Season lightly with salt and sauté on very low heat, being careful not to burn the garlic, as its bitter taste will ruin the dish. The goal is to achieve a golden hue of the garlic.

4. Combining the Ingredients: Once the garlic has turned golden, add the spaghetti to the pan. Mix well to coat the pasta with the aromatic sauce. You can add a splash of pasta cooking water to achieve a creamier consistency.

5. Serving: Transfer the dish to a large bowl and sprinkle freshly ground pepper on top. You can also add some freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Practical Tips

- Tricks for an intense flavor: You can add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a note of freshness.
- Possible variations: Experiment by adding black olives or roasted cherry tomatoes to turn the recipe into a more complex version.
- Serving: These spaghetti pair perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a cold lemonade, ideal for contrasting the intense flavors of the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats, and garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, pasta provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. A serving of Spaghetti Aglio e Olio has about 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I add Parmesan cheese?: Of course! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top will add a note of flavor.
- What other types of pasta can I use?: You can replace spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- How can I make this dish more substantial?: Add some shrimp or grilled chicken to turn the recipe into a heartier main dish.

Personal Stories

This recipe reminds me of the evenings spent around the table with friends, where each dish brought by each of us had a story. Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino was always on the table, with everyone adding their own twist, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and stories.

I wish you to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor every bite of this simple yet full of personality dish. Bon appétit!