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Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti

Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti
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Garlic Chili Oil Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful dish combining al dente spaghetti with a fragrant garlic and spicy chili oil sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this meal offers a perfect balance of heat and savory richness, ideal for busy weeknights or spice lovers seeking a comforting yet bold pasta option.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 200g spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • Reserved pasta water (approximately 1/2 cup)
  • Salt, to taste

Garnish & Optional Add-ins

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (optional garnish)
  • Toasted breadcrumbs or toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving about half a cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Chili Oil: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the chili oil and red pepper flakes if you desire extra spice.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic chili oil mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the spaghetti.
  4. Final Touches: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley or basil for a fresh burst of flavor. Add lemon juice if using, then adjust seasoning with salt to taste. Give everything one last gentle toss before serving.

Notes

  • Use a quality chili oil to achieve the best balance of heat and aroma.
  • Do not overcook or burn the garlic to avoid bitterness; it should be golden.
  • Reserved pasta water is key to emulsifying the sauce and creating a silky texture.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chili oil and red pepper flakes.
  • Adding fresh herbs at the end preserves their brightness and enhances the flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; toss gently before reheating.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or oil, avoiding microwaves for best flavor preservation.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic chili oil spaghetti, spicy pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, garlic chili oil, weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/garlic-chili-oil-spaghetti/