Pasta aglio e olio offers rich, delicious garlicky flavour with plenty of kick for all you spice lovers. It only requires FIVE simple ingredients, and it’s super easy to make. This recipe is a simple one to prepare, but wow is it flavourful. A perfect choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal, without sacrificing on flavour!

Penne pasta with broccoli and dehydrated chili peppers in stainless steel pan.

This is a recipe that I grew up with and I have fond memories of my parents making this dish quite often. So, needless to say, it’s definitely a family favourite.

But here’s why YOU will love this dish!

It’s naturally vegan, as is so no “weird” ingredients.
You only need 5 ingredients and 20 minutes!
It’s spicy, but you can control the levels by using less peppers, if preferred.
It’s filling, satisfying and totally comforting.

pasta with oil and hot peppers in large skillet

Although we typically use penne pasta for this recipe, you may use any variety of pasta shapes or sizes.

Or you may also use whole grain or gluten free varieties, if needed.

Pasta Aglio e Olio is naturally vegan which isn’t always easy to come by in a classic Italian dish. And although it’s traditionally topped with Parmesan cheese, you can keep this one dairy free by topping it with my Vegan Parmesan Cheese instead.

How to prepare Pasta Aglio e Olio

(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

First I get my pot of water on the stove top and let it come to a boil.

While I’m waiting, I wash and cut up my broccoli.

Then I add the oil, garlic and peppers in a large skillet and set aside.

EXPERT TIP: Make sure you use a big enough pan that your cooked pasta will fit into later. (After all, we wash enough dishes as it is, right?)

skillet with oil, garlic and hot peppers

Once your water is boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Make note of how many minutes your pasta choice requires for “al dente” pasta.

Since you don’t want to overcook your broccoli, cook your pasta until there are about 8 minutes left of cooking time. Then add your broccoli to the same pot.

(For example: if your pasta requires 13 minutes, cook the pasta for 5 minutes before adding your broccoli to the pot.)

penne pasta and broccoli cooking in large pot

When your pasta and broccoli has about 5 minutes left to cook, start to sauté the oil with the garlic and peppers until golden brown, without burning your garlic.

Drain your pasta and broccoli, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water. Add the reserved water, cooked pasta and broccoli to your skillet. Then sauté everything together for about 1-2 minutes longer.

Serve sprinkled with extra chili flakes if desired, and dig in!

pasta with hot peppers in large skillet on white cutting board

More vegan Italian recipes!

Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms with Cranberry Risotto
Italian Stuffed Peppers
Vegan Pasta e Fagioli
The BEST Vegan Lasagna
Or, if you’re so inclined, learn all about making your very own homemade tomato sauce to use in a variety of dishes!

If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

Much love
Rosa

📖 Recipe

pasta with hot peppers and broccoli in skillet.

Pasta Aglio e Olio (Pasta w/ Garlic & Oil)

Pasta Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that uses sautéed garlic and spicy peppers to deliver bold flavour with a kick!

5 from 9 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: Servings

Calories: 399cal

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound penne or pasta of choice
▢ 1 large broccoli cut into florets
▢ ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
▢ 4 cloves garlic minced
▢ 6-8 dehydrated chili peppers or to taste
▢ ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to boil and add your pasta, cooking according to package directions for al dente pasta. Add the broccoli to the pot when there are 8 minutes left to cook your pasta so the broccoli does not overcook. *See notes* Drain pasta and broccoli once cooked, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water.
Meanwhile, add the olive oil, garlic and peppers to a large skillet and sauté over medium heat until peppers and garlic are slightly browned, approx. 5 minutes. Add the reserved pasta water, your pasta and broccoli to the pan. Sauté everything together, constantly mixing for 1-2 minutes.
Serve with extra chili flakes or Vegan Parmesan Cheese if desired.

Notes

If your pasta requires 13 minutes to cook, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes, then add the broccoli to cook for the remaining 8 minutes.

Nutrition

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*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.