Best Pasta Aglio e Olio
A simple yet elegant garlic and olive oil pasta that proves less is more, featuring only four ingredients for the ultimate 'best' weeknight meal. 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 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain while reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until garlic is golden but not browned—fragrant but not bitter.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing vigorously with tongs. Pour in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 tsp sea salt, continuing to toss for 1 minute until the sauce clings to every strand and becomes glossy.
- Step 4: Remove from heat immediately, stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with additional parsley for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Pasta 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 Best Pasta 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 Best Pasta 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 Best Pasta 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 Best Pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
