| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 595 | 35g | 6g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 14g | 1.2g |
Nothing speaks more to my heart and palate than the Spicy Chili Pepper Pasta Aglio e Olio, a delightful twist to a classic Italian staple. It’s not just cooking, it’s a symbol of unity – a harmonious ensemble of simple ingredients infusing invigorating flavors and enlivening the senses. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between my New England upbringing and my Irish roots. It is bold, feisty, and riveting, remarkably akin to my family’s warmth and zest.
A Flavorful, Nutrient-rich Powerhouse
The Spicy Chili Pepper Pasta Aglio e Olio is not just a festival of flavors but a powerhouse of nutrition too. A symphony of savory garlic, hot chili, and zesty lemon – this dish provides an array of health benefits. Garlic, lauded for its medicinal properties, can combat common sickness like the flu. Chili peppers are loaded with vitamin C, perfect for boosting immunity. Olive oil, high in healthy monounsaturated fats, promotes heart health. Lemon provides a healthy dose of vitamin C, while the Parmesan cheese contributes to your daily protein and calcium needs. It’s a dish that sates your appetite and nourishes your body – truly the best of both worlds.
An Unforgettable Culinary Encounter
While the Spicy Chili Pepper Pasta Aglio e Olio is unforgettably delicious on its own, it pairs beautifully with a number of dishes. Complement its vivacious flavors with a lightly dressed Arugula, Pear, and Walnut Salad, or serve it alongside a simple, perfectly roasted Roast Chicken for a hearty meal that will impress at any dinner table. Like many Italian recipes, its versatility and ability to harmonize with other elements embody the very essence of gastronomy: cooking is an art of blending flavors, creating stories, and sharing love.
Ever since Laura introduced me to this recipe, it has been a mainstay in our family dinners. Now, I look forward to passing it down to our baby boy, just like the cherished family recipes I grew up with. Nothing brings people together quite like good food, and with the Spicy Chili Pepper Pasta Aglio e Olio, every meal is a celebration of love, life, and the simple joy of a well-cooked dish.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes
- 1 fresh red chili pepper, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
Step One
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the oil mixture. In a large skillet heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Step Three
Add thinly sliced garlic, red chili flakes, and the finely chopped red chili pepper to the skillet. Fry this mixture until the garlic is lightly golden and the pepper pieces have softened.
Step Four
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and keep a cup of the pasta water. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it in the oil mixture.
Step Five
If the pasta seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt to taste and stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
Step Six
Next, add the lemon zest and juice to the pasta and give it another good toss. The lemon will provide a refreshing balance to the heat of the chili peppers.
Step Seven
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Let it slightly melt from the heat of the pasta before serving.
This Spicy Chili Pepper Pasta Aglio e Olio is just that simple yet packed with autumnal flavors — enjoy your meal!
