Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Chili Flakes
A simple yet flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in garlic-infused olive oil and a hint of spicy chili flakes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp for pasta water + 1/2 tsp for sauce salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 tbsp salt, and cook 12 oz spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Chili Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Chili Flakes?
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-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Chili Flakes?
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-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Chili Flakes 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.
Is Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Chili Flakes 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
