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: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I need a delicious meal in a hurry. The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil fills the kitchen, and I can hardly wait to dig in. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish packs a punch of flavor while being incredibly simple to prepare. It’s become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. Trust me, this pasta will have everyone asking for seconds!

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:30:35.027Z

When I first tried this Garlic Pasta, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such a melodious dish. The key is to finely chop the garlic and let it cook just until golden brown to unlock its rich flavor. I've made this dish countless times for family and friends, and it always gets rave reviews!

One tip that has elevated my garlic pasta game is the addition of fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end. It not only adds a pop of color but also a bright, fresh taste that complements the roasted garlic perfectly. This dish is proof that comfort food can also be quick and satisfying!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick preparation with minimal cleanup
The irresistible aroma of sautéed garlic
Can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins

      

Pasta Perfected

Cooking the spaghetti to perfection is crucial. Aim for al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand. Al dente pasta retains a slight firmness which perfectly complements the silky garlic oil sauce. If overcooked, noodles can turn mushy and lose their ability to absorb the flavors from the sauce. Always taste a strand just before draining to ensure it's just right.

Remember to reserve that half cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water acts as a wonderful emulsifier when combining the pasta with the garlic oil. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles, resulting in a more cohesive dish. If you find the pasta is too dry when tossing it in the skillet, you can gradually add back this water to achieve the desired consistency.

Garlic: The Star Ingredient

The fresh garlic is what elevates this dish and gives it its signature flavor. When sautéing, aim for just 1-2 minutes over medium heat. You want the garlic to become fragrant and golden, but avoid any burning. Burnt garlic can introduce a bitter taste that can overpower your pasta. Look for a light golden color and a captivating aroma to indicate it's ready.

If you're looking to mix things up, try adding different garlic varieties such as roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste. You can also incorporate shallots or green onions to introduce another layer of flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; shallots will sauté in about the same time as garlic, while green onions may need less time to soften.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this quick pasta dish:

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Make sure all your ingredients are ready to go to streamline the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your garlic pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it!

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss it with the garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy hot!

This dish is best served warm and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a salad.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach to the garlic sauté. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest for a refreshing touch.

Garnishing for Greatness

Garnishing your pasta not only enhances its appearance but also adds layers of flavor. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing, herby note that complements the rich garlic. Simply sprinkle a generous handful over the plated pasta just before serving. If you prefer, you can swap parsley for fresh basil or even arugula for a peppery twist.

Don't forget the optional grated Parmesan cheese! It adds creaminess and a salty depth that balances the dish beautifully. For a more robust flavor, consider using aged Parmesan or even Pecorino Romano. I like to sprinkle cheese on just before serving to ensure it melts slightly into the warm pasta.

Make-ahead and Storage Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead. The garlic oil can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat before tossing with the cooked pasta. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze, allowing for quick assembly.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little olive oil to help rehydrate the noodles, preventing them from becoming dry or rubbery. Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. Just omit the Parmesan cheese for a vegan version.

→ What can I add to make this more filling?

You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.