Super Simple Spicy Aglio e Olio Pasta
Whip up a Spicy Aglio e Olio Pasta with Ingredients on Hand for Special Occasions
Don’t worry if you don’t have tomato or cream sauce for Christmas or a special day! Here’s a recipe for a delicious spicy Aglio e Olio pasta using just the ingredients you have in your fridge. It’s also designed to minimize dishes, making it a top recommendation for those who prefer less cleanup!
Pasta Ingredients
- Spaghetti, 1 serving (approx. 100g, about the size of a 500-won coin)
- Ham, 2 slices (about half the width of a pinky finger)
- Onion, 1/4 (or to your liking)
- Minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp
- Butter, 1 tsp
- Olive oil, 2-5 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Parmesan cheese powder, 1 Tbsp (optional, to taste)
- Dried parsley, a pinch (for garnish)
Seasoning & Others
- Pasta water, 1 ladleful (approx. 150ml)
- Red pepper flakes, 1/2 Tbsp (adjust for spiciness)
- Salt, 1/2 tsp (adjust for taste)
- Extra olive oil, a little (for sautéing)
- Pasta water, 1 ladleful (approx. 150ml)
- Red pepper flakes, 1/2 Tbsp (adjust for spiciness)
- Salt, 1/2 tsp (adjust for taste)
- Extra olive oil, a little (for sautéing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a large, deep pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and a little olive oil (optional). Once boiling, add the spaghetti.
Step 2
Use about 100g of spaghetti (the size of a 500-won coin). If you prefer not to have the ends of the pasta sticking out or breaking, you can gently snap the spaghetti in half before adding it. (Tip: For easier handling, slightly bend the spaghetti so it curves naturally before submerging it in the water. Snapping it in half makes it even simpler!)
Step 3
Thinly slice or mince the onion. Slice the ham into bite-sized pieces (diced or strips). (If you want to minimize washing up, using paper towels or gloves can be very convenient.)
Step 4
I used a less salty canned ham (like ‘Rech’am’). If you’re using a saltier ham like Spam, you’ll need to adjust the amount of salt later when seasoning. I prepared two slices of ham, each about half the width of a pinky finger, and diced them.
Step 5
Slice the ham and onion into pieces suitable for pasta. Feel free to include other ingredients like bacon, shrimp, or chicken if you have them on hand.
Step 6
While the pasta cooks, let it boil for about 8-10 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired texture. (Tip: 8 minutes yields a slightly firm ‘al dente’ texture, 9 minutes a tender texture, and 10 minutes a very soft texture. Try a strand midway to check.)
Step 7
Before draining the pasta, reserve about one ladleful (approx. 150ml) of the starchy pasta water. This water is crucial for achieving the right sauce consistency.
Step 8
In a large skillet, melt 1 tsp of butter over low heat. Add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the butter.
Step 9
Once the butter has melted and the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced ham and onion. Increase the heat to medium and sauté. Add 2-3 Tbsp of olive oil at this stage to help the ingredients cook deliciously.
Step 10
To prevent splattering while the ham and onion sauté, cover the pan for 1-2 minutes. Check halfway through and cook for another 1-2 minutes if needed, allowing the ingredients to soften.
Step 11
When the onions become translucent and start to turn slightly golden, add another 2 Tbsp of olive oil. (Tip: You can significantly shorten your cooking time by preparing this step while the pasta is boiling.)
Step 12
Now, add the cooked spaghetti, a ladleful of the reserved pasta water, and a little more olive oil (omit if the pasta is already sufficiently oily) to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine well.
Step 13
Season with salt to taste. Start with 1/2 tsp and add more as needed, considering the saltiness of the ham. Adjust to your preference.
Step 14
For a spicy kick, add 1/2 Tbsp of red pepper flakes and stir-fry briefly to create a spicy Aglio e Olio. (Increase the amount if you like it spicier.)
Step 15
Serve the finished pasta onto a plate. (This recipe typically yields about one generous serving for an adult, enough for two smaller portions.)
Step 16
Plating Tip: Place the pasta on the plate first, then artfully arrange the sautéed ham, onion, and garlic mixture on top for a more appealing presentation.
Step 17
Ingredient Variation Tip: Increase the amount of onion or ham, or add other vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli, to create a richer and even tastier pasta.
Step 18
Finally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese powder and dried parsley for garnish. This makes it a perfect dish for a home party.
Step 19
The savory flavor of the Parmesan cheese enhances the overall taste of the pasta, and using a generous amount makes it even more delicious.
Step 20
Voila! Your impressive Aglio e Olio pasta is ready. Serve it on a nice plate for a wonderful dish for any special occasion! (I’m not great at plating, but I guarantee it tastes amazing!)
