Simple Italian Pasta with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes
A classic Italian pasta dish where spaghetti is tossed in a fragrant sauce of garlic, olive oil, and red chili flakes for a quick and satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil. 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 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing gently for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to coat the pasta and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss again and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Italian Pasta with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes 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 Italian Pasta with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes?
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 Italian Pasta with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes?
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 Italian Pasta with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes 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 Italian Pasta with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Chili Flakes 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.
