Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Red Pepper Flakes

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

A classic Italian pasta dish prepared in a half portion, featuring garlic sautéed in olive oil with a spicy kick of red pepper flakes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 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 450 calories and feeds 1, 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: 10 min Serves 1 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 4 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Red Pepper Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Red Pepper 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 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Red Pepper 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 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Red Pepper Flakes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Red Pepper Flakes?

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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