Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Red Pepper Flakes
Simple Italian-inspired spaghetti sautéed in fragrant garlic and red pepper flakes, lightly coated in olive oil and Parmesan for a classic quick pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, minced 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 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp for pasta water salt
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- to taste black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to coat the pasta.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until the cheese melts and coats the pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 5: Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil 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 Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil 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 Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil 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 Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Red Pepper 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 Spaghetti Tossed in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil with Red Pepper 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.
