Traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rustic Italian pasta dish where garlic and chili flakes infuse olive oil to coat spaghetti perfectly, highlighting simplicity and bold flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons 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 400 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 ounces spaghetti, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, then add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing gently for 3 minutes until garlic is golden but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats each strand and thickens to a glossy consistency.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes 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 Traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili 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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili 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 Traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes 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 Traditional Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Chili Flakes?

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.

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