Description
Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti is a quick and vibrant pasta dish that combines the aromatic richness of garlic with the spicy heat of chili oil, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a comforting and bold-flavored meal. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy nights or a lively lunch, delivering a perfectly balanced mix of heat and savory goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200 grams spaghetti (for two servings), cooked al dente
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Chili oil, 2 to 3 tablespoons (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water and seasoning)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for sprinkling)
- Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency later.
- Prepare the Garlic Chili Oil: While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant and golden but not burnt, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the chili oil, allowing it to infuse with the garlic flavors for about one minute.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic chili oil mixture. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly. Pour in a little reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the spaghetti.
- Season and Finish: Drizzle soy sauce over the pasta and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional chili oil if desired. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil on top for added color and fragrance. Optionally, add grated cheese for extra richness.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic to deliver the best aromatic punch and avoid bitterness.
- Control the heat by starting with less chili oil and gradually adding more to suit your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water; its starchy content helps bind and enrich the sauce.
- Cook garlic gently over low heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: garlic chili oil spaghetti, quick pasta, spicy pasta, easy dinner, garlic pasta, chili oil recipe, vegetarian pasta
