Half-Hour Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes

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

A simple Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed with garlic sautéed in olive oil and a kick of red chili flakes, ready in just 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 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 and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp red chili flakes and 1/2 tsp salt, cooking for 30 seconds to release aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until sauce lightly coats pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and mix in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Hour Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (5 min prep + 25 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 Half-Hour Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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 Half-Hour Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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 Half-Hour Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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.

What goes well with Half-Hour Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes?

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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