Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta

Name: Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 60ml olive oil; Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick Recipe Hub

I absolutely love whipping up my Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta on busy weeknights. This dish is not only hearty and comforting, but it also comes together in a flash, which means I can satisfy my hunger without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, I can enjoy rich flavors of garlic and olive oil combined with perfectly cooked pasta. It's a lifesaver for those evenings when I crave something delicious but am short on time.

Created by

Clara Jennings

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:45:34.479Z

When I first tried making pasta with garlic and olive oil, I was surprised by how simple yet delicious it turned out. Using fresh garlic gives a vibrant flavor that simply can't be replicated with powdered alternatives. I learned that sautéing the garlic gently is key to avoiding bitterness, and it releases its essence beautifully into the pasta.

Another tip I discovered is the importance of saving a bit of pasta cooking water. Adding a splash of it to the pan at the end enhances the sauce, making it cling to each noodle perfectly. This ensures every forkful is bursting with flavor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Garlic aroma that fills your kitchen invitingly
Quick preparation makes weeknight cooking a breeze
Customizable with your favorite herbs and vegetables

Understanding the Ingredients

The beauty of this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta is in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Spaghetti serves as the perfect base—its starchy surface helps cling to the garlic-infused olive oil. Make sure to choose high-quality olive oil, as its flavor significantly impacts the dish's overall taste. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor, but you can substitute with any light olive oil in a pinch.

Garlic is the star here, and the way you prepare it can affect the dish greatly. Thinly slicing the garlic allows it to release its oils and flavors faster compared to mincing. During sautéing, watch closely for the golden color—this indicates the perfect moment to combine the garlic with pasta. Overcooking can result in a bitter flavor, so keep that heat at medium to maintain control over the garlic's cooking process.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

The timing of cooking the pasta is crucial to achieving a delightful al dente texture, which should be firm yet tender. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy water can bring your sauce together smoothly. If you happen to overcook the spaghetti, it will lose its desirable texture and become mushy. The window for perfect spaghetti is typically between 8-10 minutes, depending on your stove and pot size. Check a minute or two before the recommended time.

When tossing the pasta with the garlic and olive oil, you might find that additional pasta water is needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Start with a tablespoon at a time, ensuring the combined mixture is glossy and nicely coated. This technique not only enhances flavor, but it also helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious meal!

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
60ml olive oil
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your pasta dish.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

Combine and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Add the spaghetti to the frying pan with the garlic and oil. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to create a light sauce. Season with salt to taste and top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

Your quick and easy garlic pasta is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, feel free to toss in some red pepper flakes for a little heat or seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.

Customizing Your Dish

While this Garlic Pasta is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative with variations. Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the mix for additional nutrition and texture. If you're a fan of heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the flavor profile, giving you options to switch things up based on what's available.

For protein lovers, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can turn this dish into a complete meal. Just ensure that any additional proteins are cooked separately before being combined with the pasta so as not to overcrowd the pan during the garlic sautéing stage.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra olive oil to help revive the sauce, as pasta can dry out overnight. Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring until the pasta is warmed through and the sauce is reactivated.

For meal prep enthusiasts, you can cook the garlic and olive oil mixture in advance and store it in a separate container. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, toss, and enjoy a fresh meal in minutes. This will save you precious time, especially on those hectic weeknights.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any type of pasta works, but cooking time may vary, so adjust accordingly.

→ Is it possible to make this vegan?

Absolutely! Just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Certainly! Chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great additions.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.