Simple Budget-Friendly Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
A classic Italian pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, perfect for a quick and economical meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. 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 "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
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp for pasta water salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup freshly grated, optional parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. If desired, sprinkle 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Budget-Friendly Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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 Simple Budget-Friendly Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
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 Simple Budget-Friendly Spaghetti Aglio e Olio?
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 Simple Budget-Friendly Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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 Simple Budget-Friendly Spaghetti Aglio e Olio 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.
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