Authentic Roman Garlic & Chili Spaghetti

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A minimalist Roman classic where garlic, olive oil, and chili sing in perfect harmony, celebrating the essence of authentic Italian simplicity. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 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.

★ 4.8 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 2 tsp salt and 12 oz spaghetti, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 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, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce seems too dry, add 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water until it clings to strands.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and serve immediately with extra parsley and red pepper flakes.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Roman Garlic & Chili Spaghetti take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Roman Garlic & Chili Spaghetti?

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 Roman Garlic & Chili Spaghetti?

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 Roman Garlic & Chili Spaghetti 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 Roman Garlic & Chili Spaghetti?

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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