Authentic Tuscan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

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

A pure Italian classic featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a garlic-olive oil emulsion with a hint of chili, true to the rustic simplicity of Tuscany. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 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 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and cook for 3 minutes until garlic turns golden but not brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the noodles and the oil emulsifies, adding more pasta water if needed to reach a glossy consistency.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Tuscan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Tuscan 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 Tuscan 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 Tuscan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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 Tuscan Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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.

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