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–+ servings
A plate of spaghetti garnished with herbs, garlic, and grated cheese is served alongside a fresh salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce. A small bowl of salad and extra grated cheese are nearby.

Simple Spaghetti with Garlic & Side Salad Recipe

A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.Sarah Thompson
A simple yet satisfying pasta dish made with garlic and olive oil, served with a fresh side salad.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Meal Type Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 663 kcal
Difficulty Easy
Ingredient Cost $8
Shopping Cost$39

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Salad bowl

Ingredients
 
 

Spaghetti:

  • 400 g spaghetti
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional

Side Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ¼ red onion thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    400 g spaghetti
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
    1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 6 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Toss the cooked spaghetti in the skillet, coating it well with the garlic oil. Season with salt and pepper.
    Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the side salad, combine mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a salad bowl.
    4 cups mixed greens, 1 cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/4 red onion
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat.
    1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, Salt and pepper to taste
  • Serve the spaghetti garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, alongside the side salad.
    Fresh parsley, Grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the spaghetti for extra protein.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 663kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 526mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 802IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Healthy Dinner, Italian Cuisine, Side Salad, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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