Italian Pasta Tossed with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Herbs
Al dente pasta coated in a fragrant olive oil sauce with garlic, red chili flakes, and a fresh herb finish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil with 2 tsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water then drain pasta.
- 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 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes to coat pasta in garlic-chili oil and create a light sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss again until cheese melts and pasta is evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Pasta Tossed with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Herbs 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 Italian Pasta Tossed with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Herbs?
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 Italian Pasta Tossed with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Herbs?
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 Italian Pasta Tossed with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Herbs 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 Italian Pasta Tossed with Garlic, Chili, and Fresh Herbs 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.
