Spicy Aglio e Olio

Aglio e Olio but make it spicy.

Aglio e Olio or other known as spaghetti with olive oil and garlic is a traditional Italian dish comprised of just a handful ingredients. The result? An anytime, any day, flavorful, and quick pasta dish. If you came here looking for a traditional Aglio e Olio, then this recipe isn’t for you. Simply google “Aglio e Olio” and you will find a plethora of authentic recipes. If you stumbled upon this post because you are like me and want to spice things up, literally, then this spicy Aglio e Olio is for you.

I can hear it now… “this isn’t Aglio e Olio”. You aren’t wrong. Not only does this recipe call for a heavy hand of chili flakes to give it more heat, but I also added another unconventional ingredient to the sauce, anchovies. The anchovies add a rich, salty, slightly funky umami flavor. Yes, they are necessary. Topped off with crispy toasted cheesy panko breadcrumbs for texture. Try this recipe once, and you may never go back to the original.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR SPICY AGLIO E OLIO

• Pasta – Traditionally this dish uses spaghetti, or another long pasta. However as always players choice.
• Garlic – Fresh only!
• Olive Oil – For best results use a good extra virgin olive oil. Since the heat stays on low for the entire duration of cooking you don’t have to worry about the low smoke point of EVOO. Extra virgin will give this sauce the most flavor.
• Parsley
• Red Chili Flakes – This recipe calls for 1 Tbsp of chili flakes, which to some people may be too much. Start with 2 tsp and add more.
• Anchovies
• Pasta Water– Just a reminder to save some pasta water for the sauce.
• Panko Bread Crumbs – Unseasoned.
• Parmesan Cheese– Freshly grated. You can substitute for Pecorino Romano cheese.

ADDITIONS

This dish is truly a blank canvas. Delicious as is, however if you want to beef up or adjust this recipe below are just a few suggestions.

• Add a Protein – Make this a more substantial dish by adding grilled chicken or salmon. Cook the proteins separate from the pasta and serve together. Another great addition would be crispy prosciutto.
• Add more Cheese – If the crispy parm panko isn’t enough cheese add some grated parm right before tossing in the pasta.
• Add Vegetables – Kale, cherry tomatoes, and sautéed zucchini would be great additions to this dish.

HOW TO MAKE SPICY AGLIO E OLIO

Make the Breadcrumbs – In a small frying pan over low-medium heat add olive oil. Once heated up add breadcrumbs and toss in olive oil. Toast until golden brown (but not burnt!)mixing every few seconds. approx. 5-7 minutes.

Cook the Garlic + Flakes – In a pot over low heat add olive oil. Add the chili flakes, and allow them to bloom in the oil for 3 minutes before tossing in the garlic. Cook the garlic on low for 5 minutes. This is longer than the 2-3 that you typically would cook garlic to get it to the soft and fragrant stage so watch it carefully. In the event it begins to brown turn down the heat further. Add in the anchovies and cook for another 2-3.

Make it a Sauce – Add pasta water starting with 1/3 of a cup. Stir to incorporate the spicy garlic oil and pasta water. Add pasta and parsley and toss. If pasta is a little dry add the remaining pasta water. Serve and top with crispy breadcrumbs

STORING/REHEATING

As always, most pasta dishes, especially this one, are best served immediately. I don’t recommend storing this one in the fridge and reheating. While this dish tastes best hot, it is also a great one to enjoy at room temperature.

Looking for other quick flavorful pasta dishes? Check out the below!

Parm & Pancetta Mafaldine
Crispy Artichoke Pasta
Lemon Caper Pasta