Authentic Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A true Roman-inspired pasta dish where simple ingredients shine through careful technique, with garlic and chili creating a fragrant, oil-based sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat; add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook for 3 minutes until golden but not browned, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then immediately add drained spaghetti and toss to coat, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a silky emulsion.
- Step 4: Finish by stirring in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until evenly distributed and the sauce coats the pasta strands.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Authentic Classic 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 Authentic Classic 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 Authentic Classic 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 Authentic Classic 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
