Sautéed Garlic and Olive Oil Spaghetti with Fresh Basil

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-06 · Updated 2026-08-06

A simple Italian pasta dish highlighting the aromatic flavors of garlic and fresh basil tossed with spaghetti in olive oil. This Italian pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 17 minutes, pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner. 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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 extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil and add 12 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is light golden but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1 minute, adding up to 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the noodles evenly.