Sautéed Garlic and Herb Pasta with Parmesan
Simple sautéed spaghetti tossed with garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, for pasta water salt, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 2 tbsp for pasta water salt
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 2 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic edges just begin to turn golden.
- Step 3: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats every strand evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic and Herb Pasta with Parmesan 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Pasta with Parmesan?
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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Pasta with Parmesan?
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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Pasta with Parmesan 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Pasta with Parmesan 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.
