Spaghetti with Garlic-Chili Oil and Parmesan
A simple Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and chili-infused olive oil, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp, for pasta water salt
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- 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 red chili flakes, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant — do not burn.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to coat pasta in the garlic-chili oil.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until the cheese melts and the pasta is evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti with Garlic-Chili Oil and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 with Garlic-Chili Oil and Parmesan?
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 with Garlic-Chili Oil and Parmesan?
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 with Garlic-Chili Oil and Parmesan 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 with Garlic-Chili Oil and Parmesan 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.
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