Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Red Pepper Flakes

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-25 · Updated 2026-06-25

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 recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, 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.

Ingredients

• 4 oz spaghetti
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup, optional grated Parmesan cheese

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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.