Name: Spaghetti with Chilli and Garlic
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 350g/12oz dried spaghetti; 4 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped (deseeded if preferred); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti with Chilli and Garlic Recipe

It’s very quick and easy — minimal prep and cook time, ideal for busy evenings.
The combination of garlic, chilli, and olive oil gives bold, aromatic flavor with just a few ingredients.
It’s versatile — you can easily adjust the heat level, add herbs or extra toppings, and it pairs well with many side dishes or salads.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

400g spaghetti
3 fresh red chillies
3 garlic cloves
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped flat‑leaf parsley
salt

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, then cook the spaghetti until al dente (soft but with a little bite).
While the pasta cooks, remove the seeds from the chillies and finely chop them; peel and finely chop the garlic.
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil gently. Add the garlic and chopped chillies and cook over low/medium heat for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.
Drain the spaghetti and add it to the frying pan. Toss well so the pasta is coated evenly with the oil, garlic and chilli.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, season with salt to taste, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: under 10 minutes
Cook time: under 20 minutes
Total time: under 30 minutes

Variations

For a richer taste, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water or even a little stock before tossing to create a light sauce.
Stir in grated cheese (like Parmesan or Pecorino) before serving for added creaminess and depth.
Add extra ingredients: sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for more spice.
Swap parsley for fresh basil or add a handful of arugula for a fresh herbal note.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat; if the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture.
Because of the garlic and chilli oil, reheated pasta may taste stronger — adjust seasoning as needed.

FAQs

How spicy will this dish be?

Spiciness depends on how hot your chillies are and how much of the seeds you include. Removing seeds reduces heat. You can also start with fewer chillies and taste — you can always add more.

Can I use dried chillies instead of fresh?

You could use dried chilli flakes — add them along with the garlic in the oil — but the fresh chillies give a brighter, sharper heat and more freshness.

Can I make it milder for kids or people sensitive to spice?

Yes — reduce the number of chillies or omit seeds. Alternatively, use a mild red pepper instead of hot chilli.

Is this dish vegetarian / vegan?

Yes — as written it’s vegetarian and vegan. Adding cheese or other toppings could change that.

Can I double the recipe easily?

Yes — simply double all ingredients. Make sure your pot and frying pan are large enough to handle the extra spaghetti.

What type of spaghetti should I use?

Standard dried spaghetti works fine. Whole‑wheat or other pasta types will also work, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I add protein — like chicken or shrimp?

Yes — cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas would pair nicely. If adding protein, stir it in after cooking the garlic and chilli but before tossing the pasta.

What side dishes go well with this?

A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread with olive oil all complement the pasta well. A light tomato salad or garlic‑butter bread are also nice accompaniments.

Can I use a different herb instead of parsley?

Yes — basil, oregano, or thyme all work well. Fresh herbs added just before serving give the best fresh flavor.

Can I make this in advance for meal prep?

You can cook the pasta and sauce separately, then store refrigerated. When ready to eat, gently reheat and toss together. Be mindful that reheating may intensify the garlic and chilli flavours.

Conclusion

This spaghetti with chilli and garlic is a perfect go-to recipe when you want something quick, simple and delicious with minimal ingredients. Its bold, fragrant flavours and flexible nature make it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinners. With a few tweaks, you can adapt it to different tastes — milder, spicy, herb‑rich or protein‑enhanced — and still enjoy a satisfying, flavourful pasta dish.