If you’re short on time but still craving something cozy, flavorful, and satisfying, these Garlic Chilli Oil Noodles are the answer. Made with just a few pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes, this recipe takes under 10 minutes from start to finish.
It’s a simple dish that proves how little ingredients can still deliver maximum flavor. The garlic-infused olive oil, a touch of heat from the chili flakes, and the silky pasta water come together to create a light yet addictive sauce that coats every strand perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & easy: Ready in just 10 minutes and perfect for busy days or late-night cravings.
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Minimal ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples.
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Customizable: Add prawns, chicken, or veggies for a heartier meal.
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Restaurant-style flavor: Garlic and chili infuse the oil beautifully, making it aromatic and comforting.
Ingredients
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4–5 tbsp olive oil
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2–3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
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200g boiled linguine or spaghetti
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¼ cup reserved pasta water
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1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
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Parmesan cheese, for garnish
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
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Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Chilli Oil
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In a large pan, heat olive oil on medium-low heat.
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Add sliced garlic and let it cook gently until it turns light golden and fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
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Add chili flakes and cook for 10–15 seconds to infuse the oil.
Step 3: Toss the Pasta
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Add the boiled pasta to the pan along with the reserved pasta water.
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Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated in the garlic-chili oil.
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Stir in lemon juice (if using) for a touch of freshness.
Step 4: Add Garnishes
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Turn off the heat and add fresh parsley and parmesan while the pan is still warm this helps the cheese melt slightly and coat the noodles beautifully.
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Toss again, then top with more parmesan and parsley right before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a pan with a splash of olive oil or a spoon of water to loosen it up.
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Freezing: Not recommended the texture of the pasta and garlic oil doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

Garlic Chilli Oil Noodles
Ingredients
- 4 –5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 –3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp chili flakes adjust to taste
- 200 g boiled linguine or spaghetti
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil on medium-low heat.
- Add sliced garlic and let it cook gently until it turns light golden and fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
- Add chili flakes and cook for 10–15 seconds to infuse the oil.
- Add the boiled pasta to the pan along with the reserved pasta water.
- Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated in the garlic-chili oil.
- Stir in lemon juice (if using) for a touch of freshness.
- Turn off the heat and add fresh parsley and parmesan while the pan is still warm, this helps the cheese melt slightly and coat the noodles beautifully.
- Toss again, then top with more parmesan and parsley right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I use another oil instead of olive oil?
Yes! You can use avocado oil or any neutral oil, but olive oil gives the best flavor.
Q. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Linguine or spaghetti are perfect since they coat evenly with the garlic oil.
Q. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work great here.
Q. How spicy is it?
It has a mild to moderate kick depending on your chili flakes. You can adjust the spice level to taste.
Q. Can I skip the lemon juice?
Yes, but it adds a nice brightness that balances the richness of the oil.









