Delicious Olive Oil & Garlic Pasta Recipe for Quick Meals

Twirling forks through a classic garlic olive oil pasta brings instant comfort to any meal.

This simple yet sublime dish merges Italian culinary tradition with straightforward ingredients.

Weeknight dinners transform when you add just a few quality components to your plate.

Fragrant garlic sizzles gently in extra virgin olive oil, creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that complements the mild, aromatic flavors.

Chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Savor each bite and let the rich, uncomplicated flavors transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic Ingredient Lineup

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta perfect for absorbing rich flavors, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture and authentic Italian feel.

• Olive Oil: Heart of the dish, select extra virgin for robust, fruity taste and smooth cooking experience.
• Garlic: Aromatic foundation that brings depth, choose fresh cloves with firm, smooth skin for maximum pungency.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and excitement, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Parsley: Fresh herb providing bright color and herbaceous note, select vibrant green leaves with crisp appearance.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for balanced flavor enhancement.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and complexity, freshly ground gives most intense taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, nutty finish, opt for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for genuine Italian character.
• Lemon Zest: Offers citrusy brightness and aromatic lift, use fresh lemon with smooth, unblemished skin.

Simple Tools for Simple, Perfect Pasta Night

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of salted water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing garlic and tossing pasta with oil.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping parsley and slicing garlic.
• Sharp knife: Used to slice garlic and chop fresh parsley.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Great for stirring and tossing pasta in the skillet.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.
• Grater: Optional, for creating fresh Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
• Measuring cup: Useful for reserving pasta water precisely.

How to Make Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic Just Right

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Get a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop in your spaghetti and cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite. Before draining, save a splash of the starchy cooking water.

• Create Flavor Base

Warm up olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Slide in thinly sliced garlic and let it dance around until it turns a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle some fiery red pepper flakes to give the oil a spicy kick.

• Combine Pasta and Sauce

Turn down the heat and tumble the drained pasta into the fragrant oil. Gently toss everything together, letting the pasta soak up all those delicious flavors. If things look a bit dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create a silky coating.

• Finish and Season

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the pasta. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Give everything a final toss to ensure each strand is coated with the aromatic garlic and herb mixture.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your pasta immediately. For an extra touch of luxury, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan and a zesty hint of lemon zest on top. Dig in while it’s hot and savor the simple, classic flavors!

Flavor Upgrades: Red Pepper, Parmesan, or Lemon Zest

• Quick Garlic Rescue: If garlic starts browning too fast, immediately remove from heat to prevent bitterness and burning.
• Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water – its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that perfectly coats each strand of spaghetti.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance – use less for mild flavor or more for a fiery kick.
• Vegan-Friendly Twist: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that still delivers a cheesy, savory flavor profile.
• Herb Exploration: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of parsley to create unique flavor variations that match your taste preferences.

Serve This Pasta with Salad or Solo

• Rustic Italian Dining Delight: Serve this classic pasta on a large wooden board with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a family-style presentation that feels warm and inviting.
• Zesty Flavor Boost: Top each serving with extra red pepper flakes, fresh lemon zest, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan to add brightness and depth to the simple dish.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette, or serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and garlic sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the garlic and spice with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that will enhance the pasta's delicate flavors.

Store and Reheat Without Losing the Bite

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare the garlic-infused pasta base in larger batches, storing extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners within 3-4 days.
• Chilled Pasta Refresh: When reheating refrigerated pasta, sprinkle a few drops of water and gently warm in a skillet to restore moisture and prevent dryness, ensuring the same delicious texture.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Add extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan when serving leftover pasta to revive its original vibrant taste and appearance.
• Ingredient Shelf Life: Store unused garlic in a cool, dark place, keeping whole bulbs unpeeled for up to 3-4 weeks, and refrigerate opened olive oil to maintain its quality for 2-3 months after opening.

Effortless Pasta With Olive Oil And Garlic Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spaghetti aglio e olio celebrates classic Italian simplicity with minimal ingredients. Hearty pasta coated in rich olive oil and pungent garlic delivers authentic Mediterranean comfort you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Submerge spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Garlic Infusion: In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced garlic, carefully sautéing until it reaches a delicate golden color without burning, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Spice Integration: Scatter red pepper flakes into the aromatic oil, gently stirring to distribute heat and awaken the spice’s robust flavor profile.
4. Pasta Coating: Lower heat and transfer drained pasta directly into the fragrant skillet. Toss noodles thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage with garlic-infused oil. Introduce reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, cohesive sauce.
5. Final Seasoning: Fold in freshly chopped parsley, sprinkle salt, and add a subtle crack of black pepper. Mix meticulously to ensure even flavor distribution across the pasta.
6. Serving Flourish: Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese and a zesty sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance the dish’s aromatic complexity.

Notes

• Prevent Garlic Burning: Watch garlic closely during sautéing to avoid bitter, burnt flavor; golden and fragrant is the perfect color indicator.
• Control Pasta Water Consistency: Reserve pasta water strategically; its starchy nature helps create a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Master Heat Management: Maintain moderate heat when cooking garlic and pepper flakes to extract maximum flavor without scorching ingredients.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal heat tolerance; start with a small amount and incrementally increase for desired spiciness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg