Stir-Fried Pasta with Garlic and Fresh Parsley
Quick-cooked spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic-herb oil with tender vegetables for a light weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup frozen peas and 1/2 cup vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 minutes until peas are tender.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss until parsley is evenly distributed and fragrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Pasta with Garlic and Fresh Parsley take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Stir-Fried Pasta with Garlic and Fresh Parsley?
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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Pasta with Garlic and Fresh Parsley?
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 Stir-Fried Pasta with Garlic and Fresh Parsley for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Stir-Fried Pasta with Garlic and Fresh Parsley?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
