When dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and satisfying, this Spicy Spaghetti Pasta delivers every time. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe combines spaghetti with a bold chili onion crisp sauce that’s both smoky and spicy. It’s a budget-friendly dish that makes a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With pantry staples like olive oil, onions, garlic, and spices, you can create a pasta dish that tastes like it came straight out of a cozy trattoria. The chili onion crisp not only gives the pasta a fiery kick but also a rich, aromatic base that clings to each strand of spaghetti. Add a squeeze of lemon, fresh parsley, and parmesan to balance the heat, and you’ve got yourself a plate of pasta that’s as comforting as it is exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy, ready in just 15 minutes
- Packed with flavor from chili, garlic, and paprika
- Budget-friendly with pantry staple ingredients
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch of chili onion crisp to use throughout the week
- Customizable heat level to suit your taste
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 2 servings spaghetti (approx. 4 oz / 120 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.2 liters (0.5 gallon) water
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese, for serving
For the Spicy Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prep the Pasta Water
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and oregano to season the pasta water. - Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden, stirring often to prevent burning. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in chili flakes and paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds. Remove 2 teaspoons of this chili onion crisp and set aside for garnish. - Cook the Pasta
Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions). - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Transfer the nearly cooked pasta to the sauce pan along with ½ cup of pasta water and lemon juice. Toss over medium heat until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta. Adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve
Plate the pasta and top with the reserved chili onion crisp, fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and grated parmesan cheese.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
- Not recommended for freezing as pasta texture changes.
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Spaghetti
- Always salt your pasta water—it seasons the spaghetti from within.
- Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Adjust spice level with more or fewer chili flakes.
- Use fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten and balance flavors.
Variations
- Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Stir in cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
- Swap spaghetti for penne, rigatoni, or even linguine.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for Mediterranean flair.
FAQ
Is this pasta very spicy? The spice level depends on how many chili flakes you use. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I use store-bought chili crisp? Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Just skip making the onion base from scratch.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe? Parmesan is classic, but pecorino or asiago also work beautifully.
Can I make it vegan? Yes—just omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just be sure to save extra pasta water for the sauce.
Wrapping It Up
This Spicy Spaghetti Pasta is the perfect quick meal for spice lovers. With a bold chili onion crisp sauce, lemony freshness, and a sprinkle of parmesan, it transforms simple spaghetti into a dish full of character. Whether for a fast weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe is a keeper for anyone who loves a little heat with their pasta.
The Goods
Spicy Spaghetti
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Recipes
For the Pasta
- 2 servings spaghetti approx. 4 oz / 120 g
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.2 liters 0.5 gallon water
- ½ lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
For the Spicy Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Prep the Pasta Water
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and oregano to season the pasta water.
Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden, stirring often to prevent burning. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in chili flakes and paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds. Remove 2 teaspoons of this chili onion crisp and set aside for garnish.
Cook the Pasta
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Transfer the nearly cooked pasta to the sauce pan along with ½ cup of pasta water and lemon juice. Toss over medium heat until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve
- Plate the pasta and top with the reserved chili onion crisp, fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and grated parmesan cheese.
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