Authentic Neapolitan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-04 · Updated 2026-04-04

A minimalist Italian pasta dish from Naples that celebrates garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes—true to its humble origins with no fancy additions. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, 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 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
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not browned—stir frequently to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with oil. Stir in 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, then season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss for 1 minute until sauce clings to pasta and reduces to a glossy coating.