Auction Block Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A rustic Italian pasta dish where garlic and chili flakes create a fragrant, silky sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves, thinly sliced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tsp for pasta water salt
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing gently for 3-4 minutes until garlic is golden but not browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats strands and becomes glossy. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley until fragrant, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a silky consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Auction Block Spaghetti Aglio e Olio take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Auction Block Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Auction Block Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Auction Block Spaghetti Aglio e Olio for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Auction Block Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
