Spaghetti with Garlic-Chili Olive Oil and Crispy Breadcrumbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple Italian pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in fragrant garlic and chili-infused olive oil, topped with crunchy golden breadcrumbs. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, for pasta water salt, extra virgin olive oil 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 tbsp salt, then 12 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: In another small skillet over medium heat, toast 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs with a small pinch of salt for about 3 minutes until crispy and golden, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic-chili oil. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water in 2 tbsp increments if needed to coat the pasta smoothly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley and season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Serve topped with toasted breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a satisfying crunchy finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti with Garlic-Chili Olive Oil and Crispy Breadcrumbs 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 Olive Oil and Crispy Breadcrumbs?

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 Olive Oil and Crispy Breadcrumbs?

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 Olive Oil and Crispy Breadcrumbs 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 Olive Oil and Crispy Breadcrumbs 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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