Sautéed Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti
A classic Italian pasta dish with minimal ingredients, featuring fragrant garlic and olive oil for a simple yet deeply flavorful meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Extra virgin olive oil, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 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, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant — do not let the garlic brown.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats every strand of pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti 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 Sautéed Garlic and Olive Oil 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 Sautéed Garlic and Olive Oil 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 Sautéed Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti 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 Sautéed Garlic and Olive Oil 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
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
