Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Crushed Red Pepper
A simple Italian pasta dish where spaghetti is coated in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil and brightened with a touch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat. 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 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
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp for pasta water, plus 1/2 tsp for sauce salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp salt and 12 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the oil coats every strand and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and sprinkle 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Toss lightly and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Crushed Red Pepper 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 Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Crushed Red Pepper?
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 Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Crushed Red Pepper?
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 Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Crushed Red Pepper 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.
What goes well with Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Crushed Red Pepper?
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.
