Authentic Grandma's Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple yet deeply flavorful Italian classic that honors tradition with no shortcuts—just garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes simmered to perfection. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 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 620 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until garlic turns golden but not browned—do not let it burn.
  3. Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing vigorously to coat. Gradually pour in reserved pasta water while continuing to toss for 1-2 minutes until sauce clings to strands and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp kosher salt. Serve immediately with extra parsley for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Grandma's 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 Authentic Grandma's 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 Grandma's 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 Grandma's 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 Grandma's 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.

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