Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple Italian classic pasta dish using half the traditional oil with garlic and red chili to keep it light but flavorful. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin 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 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to combine and coat the pasta.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili 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 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili?

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 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili?

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 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili 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 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili?

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.

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