Hello Lykkers! Welcome to another tasty adventure straight from the heart of Italian culinary tradition. Today’s recipe is all about simplicity, fragrance, and bringing out bold flavors using just a few ingredients.

This warm and comforting dish, known as "Pasta Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino", is a great go-to when time is short but flavor is still a top priority. Whether for a casual evening or a cozy meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t disappoint. Let’s explore how to prepare it, step by step!

Serves: 2 people

Time Required: 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cooking)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Budget: Low

Ingredients

For the pasta:

- Spaghetti: 180 grams

- Garlic: 1 full head

- Dried or fresh chili: to taste

- Flat-leaf parsley: a small bunch (use stems and leaves separately)

- Anchovy fillets in oil: 2 pieces

- Tomato paste: 1 teaspoon

- Olive oil: generous amount

- Salt: to taste

- Water from boiling pasta: as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Oil

Slice the garlic head in half horizontally and place it cut-side up in the center of a small oven-safe dish (roughly 10–15 cm). Add in the parsley stems, chili (fresh or dried according to your preference), anchovy fillets, and the tomato paste.

Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle a small pinch of salt on top.

Step 2: Bake the Aromatic Mixture

Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes. During this time, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just under al dente.

Step 3: Strain the Oil

Once the oil is fragrant and well infused, remove the dish from the oven. Discard the garlic pieces and parsley stems. Carefully pour the oil and its remaining contents into a large, high-sided pan.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Flavored Oil

Add a small amount of the pasta’s cooking water to the pan with the infused oil to slightly thin it out. Then, using tongs or a pasta spoon, transfer the pasta directly from the pot to the pan. This ensures the pasta brings some of its natural starch with it.

Step 5: Finish Cooking and Add Fresh Herbs

Continue cooking the pasta in the infused oil for another minute or two, adding more pasta water as needed to keep everything silky. Just before serving, stir in finely chopped parsley leaves. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly and enhance flavor with fresh green brightness.

Why This Version Works

Boosted Flavor through Oven Baking

Instead of using a regular sauté method, this version uses oven heat to gently release the aromas of garlic, chili, and anchovy. This creates a deeper, more rounded flavor profile.

Smart Ingredient Pairing

Using a small amount of tomato paste and anchovy fillets adds umami depth without overwhelming the core flavors. It’s an efficient way to elevate the dish with pantry staples.

Perfect for Quick Meals

With simple steps and ingredients, this dish is ideal for busy evenings. It’s fast, satisfying, and doesn’t require complicated preparation.

Conclusion

Lykkers, Pasta Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino is a delightful example of how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create an unforgettable meal. This version brings a little twist with oven-roasted aromatics, adding richness without effort. Serve it hot, topped with a sprinkle of parsley, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Italy at home. Keep it in your recipe rotation—you'll be glad you did!

Ready to try it out and bring a burst of Italian flavor to your table?