Quick Garlic and Herb Spaghetti
A light, aromatic pasta dish ready in under 15 minutes with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of heat for a perfect weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, add 8 oz spaghetti and 1 tsp salt, then fill with enough water to cover the pasta by 2 inches. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil, then add 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh basil, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand of pasta and the herbs are wilted.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Garlic and Herb Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Quick Garlic and Herb Spaghetti?
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 Quick Garlic and Herb Spaghetti?
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 Quick Garlic and Herb Spaghetti 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 Quick Garlic and Herb Spaghetti?
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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
