Authentic Italian Aglio e Olio Pasta
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish with garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and crispy garlic, finished with fresh parsley. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, (minced) garlic, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 4 cloves (minced) garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Italian Aglio e Olio Pasta 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 Italian Aglio e Olio Pasta?
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 Italian Aglio e Olio Pasta?
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 Italian Aglio e Olio Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Authentic Italian Aglio e Olio Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
