Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino Pasta – Our Simple, Authentic & Delicious Italian Recipe

Ready to travel straight to Naples from your own kitchen? Discover the secret of fettucce aglio, olio e peperoncino — a refined and essential pasta dish that elegantly blends fragrant garlic, velvety extra virgin olive oil, and fiery red chili peppers.

A true gourmet journey into the Dolce Vita!

“Whenever we were pressed for time, Nonna would work her magic in a flash. A few cloves of garlic, some olive oil, a hint of chili… and just like that, our Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino pasta was ready in no time! It was our little speedy ritual, always packed with flavor and warmth.”

— Casa Bandera, from our Famiglia to yours

Pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino: the spicy elegance of Campania

Picture yourself in a small trattoria in Naples, with the aroma of garlic and chili drifting through the air. This dish turns an ordinary meal into a genuine moment of Italian gastronomy. Simple, refined, and deeply authentic, it embodies the art of Italian family cooking, where every gesture tells a story.

Origin and tradition of this Italian recipe

Just like the Neapolitan pizza, pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino is an iconic dish from Naples, representing the "cucina povera" — the humble Italian peasant cuisine that turns simple ingredients into unforgettable delights. Here, just a few elements are enough: garlic, olive oil, and red chili peppers.

The recipe is simple yet requires care: sauté the garlic in extra virgin olive oil until golden and fragrant, then add the chili to enhance the flavor. Toss everything together with perfectly al dente fettucce, sometimes adding a splash of cooking water to bind the sauce.

This dish shows how Italian tradition values simplicity: a few ingredients can create a rich and flavorful meal. That magic is what made pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino famous not only in Italy but all around the world.

Beloved for its speed and ease, it remains a favorite for home cooks and a staple in Italian restaurants. It’s a reminder that Italian gastronomy is, above all, the art of elevating the essentials while honoring culinary traditions.

Also read: Top 17 Most Famous Italian Pastas in Italy and Beyond!

Here’s the authentic recipe for fettucce aglio, olio e peperoncino from Casa Bandera, with simple ingredients and all the steps to recreate this spicy, flavorful dish at home. A true invitation to discover Italian culinary heritage and share a warm moment with the famiglia.

1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the fettuccine. Let them cook for half of the time indicated on the package.

2 In a large skillet, pour in a drizzle of olive oil, add the fresh chili pepper and the garlic cloves crushed with the flat of a knife. Sauté for a few minutes over medium heat.

3 When the pasta is halfway cooked, drain it, reserving a few ladles of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the skillet, pour in the remaining water, and toss. Then fold in the chopped parsley. Remove the chili pepper from the pan and set aside.

4 Once cooking is complete, remove the garlic cloves and serve the fettuccine in deep bowls, twirling them with a ladle and tongs. Top with chopped parsley, crushed taralli, and a drizzle of olive oil. Finish by sprinkling with pecorino romano, black pepper, and adding the chili pepper for garnish.

Recommended Italian wine pairing?

To pair with pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino, a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, with its freshness and notes of citrus and almond, will perfectly balance the spicy and garlicky flavors of the dish. Discover our selection of best Italian wines.

Buon Appetito !

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