Let’s talk comfort food — Italian-style. This Sizzling Spaghetti with Garlic & Herbs is our fresh, fragrant spin on the beloved aglio e olio. It’s fast, fiery (thanks to a bit of chili), and full of punchy herbs that make it pop.
If you’re craving a quick pasta dish that’s both humble and high-impact, this vegetarian garlic spaghetti recipe checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and sizzling with flavor.
🔥 Quick, Spicy, and Seriously Satisfying
We love this recipe because it’s weeknight-friendly and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and fresh herbs — that’s the holy quartet of flavor right there.
It’s the kind of bold herb spaghetti with olive oil that’s on the table in 20 minutes but tastes like you’ve had it simmering for hours.
More Than Just Garlic: The Herb Factor
What sets our version apart? A generous hit of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme that add depth, aroma, and a beautiful burst of color. This isn’t just about garlic and oil — it’s about layers.
We wanted to create an easy aglio e olio with fresh herbs that feels a little elevated, but still totally approachable. And trust us, it works.
🍝 Perfect Pasta Every Time – Al Dente is Key
The trick to spaghetti success? Cooking it just until it’s al dente so it soaks up all that garlicky-herby goodness without getting soggy. Toss it straight into the pan while it’s still hot — magic happens there.
This garlic herb spaghetti tossed in olive oil is all about the timing. And when you nail it, the results are pasta perfection.
The Garlic Game: Sautéed, Never Burnt
Let’s be real — burnt garlic can ruin a dish. We take it slow, letting the garlic sizzle gently in olive oil until it’s golden and aromatic. Add chili flakes, and suddenly it smells like a rustic trattoria.
This vegetarian sizzling garlic pasta recipe is proof that technique matters — especially when you’re working with just a few ingredients.
Optional Add-Ons That Take It Over the Top
Want to make it heartier? Add toasted breadcrumbs for crunch, a sprinkle of grated Parm (or vegan parm!), or roasted cherry tomatoes for a sweet-savory twist.
Our go-to? A drizzle of lemon juice and a bit of lemon zest — it brightens up this flavor-packed vegetarian spaghetti with herbs and garlic beautifully.
Our Story: The Pasta That Started It All
This was one of the first recipes we cooked together after a long day — a shared bowl of steaming spaghetti, eaten straight from the pot (don’t judge). It’s simple, comforting, and loaded with memories.
Now this easy vegetarian garlic pasta dish is a permanent fixture in our kitchen. We return to it again and again because it never lets us down.
Leftovers? Even Better the Next Day!
This pasta keeps well and reheats beautifully — perfect for lunchboxes, lazy leftovers, or tossing cold into a salad with greens and beans.
A bowl of garlic and herb spaghetti for meal prep? Yes, please. It’s proof that simple food can be endlessly versatile.
So next time you’re craving something quick, bold, and deeply satisfying, grab that garlic, heat up the oil, and let your herbs do the heavy lifting. Our Sizzling Spaghetti with Garlic & Herbs is waiting for you — and your fork.
Ingredients
- 200 g 7 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes or to taste
- 1 small handful fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 small handful fresh basil torn
- Zest of ½ lemon optional, for brightness
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated vegetarian hard cheese like aged Pecorino or Grana Padano, optional
- Extra herbs or microgreens for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Prepare the Herb Base:
- While the pasta cooks, place garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, basil, and lemon zest (if using) into a large heatproof bowl or serving dish.
Make the Sizzling Oil:
- In a small saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering — just before it starts to smoke.
Pour the Oil:
- Carefully and immediately pour the hot oil over the herb-garlic mixture in the bowl. You’ll hear it sizzle as it cooks the garlic and releases the herbs’ aroma.
Combine & Serve:
- Add the cooked spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water to the bowl. Toss everything together to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra herbs, cheese (if using), or microgreens.
Notes
- Make it vegan by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
- Add toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for texture.
- For extra heat, double the chili flakes or add a fresh chili.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Sizzling Spaghetti with Garlic & Herbs
🍝 What makes this version of aglio e olio “sizzling”?
This recipe pours hot garlic- and herb-infused olive oil over the pasta just before serving. The sizzle enhances aroma and flavor, giving it a bold and dramatic twist compared to the traditional method where everything is cooked together in the pan.
🌿 What herbs work best in this dish?
Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, basil, oregano, and rosemary all pair well. You can stick to one or mix a few for more depth—just make sure they’re fresh for maximum flavor.
🌱 Is this dish vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian by default and can be made vegan easily. Just skip any optional cheese or replace it with a vegan Parmesan alternative.
🌾 Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The oil and herb mixture is naturally gluten-free.
🧄 Can I prepare the sizzling oil ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic-herb oil ahead and gently reheat it before pouring it over the pasta. Just make sure not to burn the garlic when reheating.
🌶️ How spicy is it, and can I adjust the heat?
It has a gentle heat from crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily dial it up or down depending on your taste. Add chili oil or fresh chili for more heat.
🧀 Can I add toppings or variations?
Definitely. Grated Parmesan (or vegan cheese), toasted breadcrumbs, lemon zest, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes all make great additions.
I tried this recipe last night, and it was a hit! The combination of garlic and fresh herbs gives the spaghetti a bold and aromatic taste.