Simple pasta dishes are among the most delicious and quickest meals to prepare, but achieving perfection requires a delicate touch. In this recipe, we'll be making spaghetti  pasta with just a few basic but incredibly flavorful ingredients: garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, finding the perfect balance of flavors can be a challenge. Let's explore how to create a truly satisfying pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves of garlic.

• 1 red chili pepper.

• Olive oil.

• Salt to taste.

• Spaghetti.

• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional).

Preparing:

Preparing the Garlic:

Peel the garlic cloves and chop them very finely. Sprinkle with a little salt and add a couple of drops of olive oil. Use the wide back of a knife to crush the garlic until it becomes a smooth paste. Fresh garlic is preferred for the best flavor, and avoid using Chinese garlic as it may not provide the same rich flavor.

Preparing the Chili Pepper:

Cut the red chili pepper into rings after removing the seeds and white inner vein. Dried chili flakes can be substituted if fresh chili is not available.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt is the only seasoning for the spaghetti, so make sure to add enough to season the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Preparing the Sauce:

About 4 minutes before the spaghetti is cooked, heat a skillet over low to medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Add the minced garlic directly without waiting for the oil to heat up. Then add the chili pepper rings. Be careful not to let the mixture brown too much, as this can result in a bitter taste.

Combining the Spaghetti with the Sauce:

When there is about 1 minute left for the spaghetti to cook, remove it from the water and add it directly to the skillet. Add a suitable amount of the pasta water to finish cooking and mix the ingredients well to combine.

Serving:

Before serving, it is best to sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh flavor, but make sure the parsley is not exposed to heat for too long as it can become bitter.

Additional notes: 

• For garlic lovers, you can increase the quantity and slice it instead of mincing it for a stronger flavor.

• If you prefer using dried chili peppers, you can grind them and use them instead of fresh ones.

• Avoid breaking the spaghetti in half or rinsing it with water, as this can affect its texture and flavor.

• Fresh thyme: Gives the dish a refreshing herbal flavor.

• Small seafood: Such as shrimp or mussels, adds extra protein and a distinctive seafood flavor.

• Grilled vegetables: Such as roasted bell peppers or eggplant, add a smoky flavor and natural sweetness.

• Grated cheese: Such as Parmesan or basil, adds saltiness and a creamy texture.

• Balsamic vinegar: Add a dash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet and sour touch.

• Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing and tangy flavor.

• Spices: Try adding different spices like cumin, coriander, or chili powder.

Congratulations! You've just made a classic Italian dish:spaghetti pasta . This simple and quick dish is a perfect example of how a few ingredients can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy your meal!

Important note:

This recipe is ideal for those who love strong and spicy flavors. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili pepper or substitute it with a less spicy variety. It is also advisable to avoid this dish if you have a garlic allergy.

Calories and nutritional values:

Garlic (2 cloves):

1. Calories: Approximately 9 calories.

2. Fat: 0.02 grams.

3. Carbohydrates: 2 grams.

4. Protein: 0.4 grams.

5. Fiber: 0.1 grams.

6. Rich in minerals like manganese, calcium, and iron.

7. Contains antioxidants that help protect cells.

8. Has anti-inflammatory properties.

Red chili pepper (1 pod):

1. Calories: Approximately 18 calories.

2. Fat: 0.2 grams.

3. Carbohydrates: 4 grams.

4. Protein: 0.8 grams.

5. Fiber: 1.5 grams.

6. Good source of vitamin C.

7. Contains capsaicin, which gives it its spicy flavor and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

1. Calories: Approximately 240 calories.

2. Fat: 27 grams.

3. Carbohydrates: 0 grams.

4. Protein: 0 grams.

5. Fiber: 0 grams.

6. Excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats.

7. Rich in antioxidants.

8. Helps lower bad cholesterol levels.

Spaghetti (100 grams, uncooked):

1. Calories: Approximately 370 calories.

2. Fat: 1.5 grams.

3. Carbohydrates: 73 grams.

4. Protein: 12 grams.

5. Fiber: 3 grams.

6. Primary source of carbohydrates that provide energy for the body.

7. Contains a moderate amount of protein.

8. Low in fat.

9. Good source of dietary fiber.

Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped):

1. Calories: Approximately 1 calorie.

2. Fat: 0.01 grams.

3. Carbohydrates: 0.2 grams.

4. Protein: 0.1 grams.

5. Fiber: 0.1 grams.

6. Rich in vitamin K and vitamin C.

7. Good source of iron.

8. Contains antioxidants.

Estimated total nutritional values for the meal:

Total calories: Approximately 1180 calories.

Total fat: 28.72 grams.

Total carbohydrates: 79.2 grams.

Total protein: 13.3 grams.

Total fiber: 4.6 grams.

Please note that nutritional values may vary depending on the brand of ingredients and actual serving sizes. For accurate values, it is best to use specialized calorie counting tools or check the nutritional information on the packaging.