Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti
Spicy Garlic And Olive Oil Spaghetti
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Recipe Introduction
Ever crave something quick, easy, and utterly delicious? Honestly, who doesn't? This spicy garlic pasta recipe is my go-to when I need comfort food fast.
This high carb meal is an absolute winner.
What's the Story with this Spicy Garlic Pasta?
This dish, inspired by the classic Italian pasta dishes of pasta aglio e olio or spaghetti aglio e olio , isn't just food, it's a hug in a bowl.
It's roots lie in Southern Italy, a testament to simple ingredients done exceptionally well. This recipe is dead easy, takes about 25 minutes, and feeds four hungry souls.
Think easy weeknight dinners sorted!
Why You'll Love It
This recipe is perfect for carb loading meals . It’s also surprisingly good for you, relatively speaking. Garlic has tons of health benefits.
Plus, it's a fantastic, quick and filling high carb vegetarian meal . What makes it special? The fiery kick, the garlicky goodness, and the sheer speed of it all.
This truly is the best of both worlds for quick pasta meals !
Right, let's talk ingredients... You'll need one pound of spaghetti, half a cup of olive oil, six cloves of garlic, and some red pepper flakes.
Don't forget the parsley, salt, pepper, lemon juice and optional Parmesan. Remember to reserve some pasta water! Oh, and for equipment, you'll need a large pot, skillet, colander, and tongs.
Gear Up and Gather Round for Pasta Aglio e Olio !
Ready to whip up some seriously tasty spicy garlic pasta ? It’s all about the ingredients and the right kit.
Don't worry, we're keeping it simple. No fancy chef tools needed here. It’s one of those easy weeknight dinners that won't keep you stuck in the kitchen all night.
Let's Get Real: The Pasta Aglio e Olio Ingredients You Need
1 pound ( 450g ) spaghetti : Honestly, any long pasta will do if you are missing the spaghetti.
½ cup ( 120ml ) extra virgin olive oil: Get the good stuff. The flavor makes all the difference, trust me.
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Don't skimp. The more garlic, the better the dish is.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust to your spice preference. Start small, you can always add more.
½ teaspoon salt: Gotta season that pasta water. Plus more to taste, of course.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
¼ cup ( 15g ) chopped fresh parsley: Adds a bit of freshness and colour.
¼ cup reserved pasta water: Secret ingredient. Don't throw it away!
1 tablespoon of lemon juice: The acidity brightens the flavors
Sometimes when I'm missing parsley, I use a bit of basil. It totally works.
Seasoning Secrets for Killer Garlic Pasta
This is where the magic happens. The right combo of spices is everything. Red pepper flakes are essential for that spicy garlic pasta kick.
Don't forget the salt and pepper. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness.
For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of dried oregano or thyme. Not a fan of the heat? Skip the red pepper flakes.
Want to level up? Toasted breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. I will sometime add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if I´m feeling really fancy, that is like the chef kiss.
Equipment That Won’t Break the Bank
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta, obviously.
- Large skillet: Where all the garlicky goodness happens.
- Colander: To drain that beautiful pasta.
- Tongs: For tossing it all together.
No fancy equipment required. A big pot, a pan, and something to grab the pasta with will do it. I once used a pair of BBQ tongs when I couldn't find my pasta tongs, whoops! So, there you have it.
The list of ingredients and equipment needed for this amazing high carb meals . Let's get cooking! It's time for some comfort food recipes ! You are now ready to cook spaghetti aglio e olio !
Alright, let's get cooking! I'm gonna share how to make Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti , or as the Italians say, aglio e olio con peperoncino .
It's a winner for those nights when you crave something comforting. And if you are looking for high carb meals ideas, this recipe has you covered!
Cooking Pasta Aglio e Olio like a Pro
Honestly, this isn't rocket science. It is one of the best comfort food recipes ever! You just need a few ingredients and a bit of love.
Plus, it’s one of those easy weeknight dinners you can whip up in a flash. You know? Let's dive in.
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get organised. Mise en place , as the fancy chefs say.
Thinly slice 6 cloves of garlic . Chop about ¼ cup of fresh parsley . Measure out ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil .
Find your red pepper flakes too. This saves a bunch of time later.
Step-by-Step: Pasta Perfection
- Get a big pot of salted water boiling. Like, really salty.
- Chuck in 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti . Cook until al dente , about 8- 10 minutes .
- While the pasta's doing its thing, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium low. Gently sauté garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for 3- 5 minutes . Watch it like a hawk. Don't burn the garlic. That ruins everything!
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water . Then, drain the spaghetti.
- Toss the spaghetti in the skillet with the garlic oil. Add pasta water and 1 tbsp of lemon juice . Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Toss, toss, toss until the sauce is creamy.
Pro Tips for High Carb Pasta Recipes
Want to take your spicy garlic pasta up a notch? Always salt your pasta water generously. It's a game changer. Avoid burning the garlic. I repeat: do NOT burn the garlic!
Another tip? Add shrimp! Shrimp aglio e olio is divine. You can even add vegetables if you like high carb vegetarian meals .
If you want to carb load, this recipe is perfect. Serve this with a side salad. It's one of the most beloved Italian pasta dishes .
It also makes for a fantastic quick pasta meal .
Recipe Notes for Your Spicy Garlic Pasta
Alright, let's talk about making this Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio con Peperoncino) just perfect. Honestly, it's one of my go-to easy weeknight dinners .
This isn't just any quick pasta meal ; it's a hug in a bowl!
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate
This Italian pasta dish is begging for a bit of flair. Think about swirling the spaghetti aglio e olio into a nest on a plate.
Sprinkle with extra parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan. Serve with a side salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio is my go-to.
It complements the spicy garlic pasta perfectly.
Storage Tips: Making the Most of Leftovers
If you actually have leftovers of this comfort food recipe (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days .
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of olive oil. You can freeze it, but the pasta texture might change a bit.
Just a heads up!
Variations: Tailor it To Your Taste
Want to make it veggie? Throw in some roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Going gluten free? Swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten free variety.
Need some extra protein for those high carb meals ? Adding shrimp is a game changer! You could even add some chicken, though that is not as authentically high carb vegetarian meals .
Nutrition Basics: Carb Loading Never Tasted So Good
Each serving of this delicious dish packs about 450 calories. It has 15g of protein, 20g of fat, and 60g of carbohydrates.
Remember that the key is the high carb pasta recipes that provides energy. This dish could also be used for carb loading meals , perfect for athletes! It's a simple dish, but the ingredients shine through.
Making pasta at home isn't daunting. You got this! With these notes, you're well on your way to creating a truly satisfying and high carb meals that taste divine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti really one of those quick high carb meals I keep hearing about?
Absolutely! This Aglio e Olio recipe is a fantastic example of a quick and satisfying high carb meal. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes, you can have a delicious and comforting plate of pasta ready to go.
Perfect for those nights when you need something fast but don't want to compromise on flavour.
I'm a bit of a beginner in the kitchen. Is this Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti difficult to make?
Not at all! This recipe is rated as easy, and that's no fib! The key is to keep a close eye on the garlic so it doesn't burn, and to make sure you reserve some of that pasta water. Trust me, even if you're more familiar with beans on toast than Italian cuisine, you'll nail this one.
Can I store leftovers of this Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti?
You can indeed, but it's best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
Be warned though, the pasta may soak up some of the sauce, so it won't be quite as perfect as when it was first made.
What variations can I make to this Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti recipe?
Plenty! Fancy jazzing it up a bit? Add some cooked shrimp or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you're not a fan of the heat, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Also, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavours beautifully.
Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
How can I make Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti more nutritious?
While this is a high carb meal, you can certainly boost its nutritional value. Consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Also, adding a generous portion of vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, will increase the vitamin and mineral content.
And don't forget the protein a handful of cooked chickpeas or some grilled chicken would make it a more balanced meal.
Help! I burnt the garlic! Is there any way to salvage my Spicy Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti?
Oh dear, burnt garlic is a right pain! Unfortunately, there's no magic trick to completely remove the bitter taste. Your best bet is to start again with fresh garlic and olive oil, carefully avoiding the high heat this time.
If you're short on time, you could try adding a touch of sweetness (a tiny pinch of sugar) to offset the bitterness, but it won't be quite the same.
