One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes
A quick and flavorful one-pot pasta dish combining spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and a kick of chili flakes for a cozy meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp for pasta water salt
- 5 cups water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup grated, optional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large wide pot, combine 12 oz spaghetti, 4 tbsp olive oil, 6 sliced garlic cloves, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tbsp salt, and 5 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently for 9-10 minutes until pasta is al dente and most of the water has evaporated, leaving a creamy sauce coating the noodles.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. If desired, sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss until melted and combined.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or chili flakes if you like more heat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes 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 One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and 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 One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and 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 One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and 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 One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and 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.
Related recipes
Half-Portion Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili and Parmesan
Authentic Roman Garlic & Chili Spaghetti
Spaghetti with Anchovy Caper Sauce and Chili
Tossed Garlic and Chili Flakes Pasta with Fresh Parsley
Sautéed Pasta with Garlic, Chili, and Lemon Zest
Sautéed Spaghetti with Garlic, Chili, and Lemon Zest
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
