Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino is one of the easiest and most delicious classic Italian pasta recipes! With red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and spaghetti, this dish comes together in a couple of minutes.
Recipe Inspiration
This simple dish is one of my favorite recipes! Spaghetti aglio e olio may be one of the simplest recipes with an easy cooking technique, but it's also one of the most delicious.
The simple ingredients of this dish make it a fan favorite. The spice of the red pepper flakes and garlicky flavor are so delicious in this Italian dish. You'll find this dish all over Italy, but it originated in southern Italy. This would also be a great base for spaghetti alle vongole - linguine and clams!
I recommend serving this with with other simple Italian food like a panzanella salad or crispy chicken cutlets.
If you're looking for more pasta dishes, check out our Margherita Pasta, Pasta Fresca, and Creamy Pesto Pasta.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Delicious - This recipe is so delicious. Each bite is packed with flavor that your family will truly love! It's really a perfect dish for the whole family. Great for entertaining too!
Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a few kitchen tools to make this great recipe.
Leftover Friendly - This Aglio olio peperoncino pasta is perfect reheated the next day or an excellent options for meal prep! I recommend serving with tender chicken.
Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients you will need for this Aglio Olio e Peperoncino recipe:
- Spaghetti - Use the best quality you can find! I used thin spaghetti for this recipe.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Again, use good quality. It will make a huge difference!
- Garlic - Use fresh cloves of garlic for this recipe
- Red Pepper Flakes - Red chili flakes give this recipe it's kick!
- Black Pepper - Freshly cracked is always best
- Parsley - You can use fresh parsley or dried parsley
- Parmesan Cheese - For serving
Directions
Let's make this recipe together!
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook pasta al dente for 6-7 minutes in the boiling water.
Step 2
While spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil, fresh garlic, black pepper and red pepper flakes over medium-low heat in a large pan. Watch the for the garlic burn - you don't want burnt garlic! You want to refrain from using medium heat or high heat so nothing burns.
When the pasta is done, transfer to the large sauté pan with tongs and give the pasta a nice toss.
Step 3
Add ¼ cup of pasta water to the skillet and toss until a glossy sauce is formed. Top with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese and serve. Buon Appetito.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this simple pasta dish. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Saute Pan - I have this saute pan and absolutely love it. I definitely recommending investing in a good saute pan for a variety of delicious recipes!
Pasta Bowl - I love serving this in a large bowl and serving family style. Check out this pasta serving bowl!
Tongs - Transferring pasta to the sauce with tongs is key in this recipe because it will also transfer the perfect amount of pasta water to create a sauce. These tongs are my go-to - I have three pairs in my kitchen!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
Additions - Add lemon zest for lemony zing, a few more cracks of black pepper, or more even toasted bread crumbs to add more flavor and texture to this classic recipe.
Reduce Spice - If someone does not like spicy food, you can reduce the red pepper flakes
Add Protein - Serve this with lemon pepper shrimp or chicken limone to add extra protein to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aglio olio e peperoncino means spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and pepper.
Aglio olio sauce is made of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
Aglio olio goes well with other Italian dishes like chicken limone, Caesar salad, or lemon pepper shrimp.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Check out more of our easy recipes!
Easy Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti for 6-7 minutes, before it’s al dente.
- While spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper over medium-low heat in a large skillet. When the pasta is done, transfer pasta to the skillet and toss.
- Add ¼ cup of pasta water to the skillet and continue to toss until a glossy sauce is formed and the pasta is al dente.
- Top with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese and serve.
Brenda says
This was SO good. I'll be making again and again!
Christina Musgrave says
Yay! So happy to hear that.