Pantry-Style Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil
A minimalist pasta dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a silky, aromatic meal in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then add 1 tablespoon salt and 8 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let the garlic brown.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, then add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the cheese melts and the sauce coats every strand.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pantry-Style Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Pantry-Style Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil?
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 Pantry-Style Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil?
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 Pantry-Style Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil 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 Pantry-Style Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
