No-Fuss Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-06 · Updated 2026-06-06

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A classic Italian pasta dish requiring just a handful of ingredients, delivering olive oil, garlic, and a touch of heat in every bite. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 15 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 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving

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Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
1 tsp red chili flakes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp for pasta water salt
1/4 cup grated (optional) parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the 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, sautéing 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 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats every strand.
Step 4: Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese if desired for added richness.