Delightfully simple yet irresistibly flavorful, this Spaghetti in Olive Oil and Garlic recipe is a celebration of Italian culinary minimalism. Featuring pantry staples like extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and red chili flakes, this dish elevates humble ingredients into a quick and satisfying meal. Perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti is tossed in a golden, aromatic olive oil and garlic sauce, with just a hint of heat from the chili flakes. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, while an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese provides a creamy, savory finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a sophisticated side for any Italian-inspired feast. Whether you're a fan of simple pasta dishes or looking to whip up something delicious in a pinch, this recipe delivers authentic flavor in every bite.
Fill a large pot with 4 liters of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
While the spaghetti is cooking, thinly slice the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until it turns golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Add the red chili flakes to the skillet and stir for a few seconds to release their flavor.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest of the spaghetti.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil mixture. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the spaghetti. Toss again to combine.
Taste the spaghetti and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Calories |
706 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.7 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 2645 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.8 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.4 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 28.5 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 438 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 337 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.