Garlic-Herb Tossed Spaghetti
A simple, aromatic pasta dish where al dente spaghetti is tossed in a garlic-olive oil base with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp kosher salt. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, and toss vigorously for 1 minute until the oil coats the pasta and the water thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp lemon zest, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Herb Tossed Spaghetti 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 Garlic-Herb Tossed 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 Garlic-Herb Tossed 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 Garlic-Herb Tossed Spaghetti 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.
What goes well with Garlic-Herb Tossed 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My husband and I make this every Friday. The herbs add such a fresh touch without overpowering the garlic.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The garlic and herb combination is perfect and the pasta was cooked to al dente every time.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor, but the garlic was a bit too strong for my taste. Still, a great quick dinner for the family.
