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

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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.

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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