Garlic Olive Oil Tossed Spaghetti

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

A quick, elegant pasta dish where tender spaghetti is coated in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil sauce, finished with a subtle kick of heat and fresh cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 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 450 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp salt and 8 oz spaghetti, then cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, then sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and golden (do not brown the garlic).
  3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the pasta is well coated and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with additional salt if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Olive Oil Tossed Spaghetti take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Olive Oil 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 Olive Oil 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 Olive Oil 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 Olive Oil 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.

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