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 or your favorite pasta; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt to taste; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Highlighted under: Weeknight Wonders

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I'm pressed for time yet craving something delicious. The best part is that I can have this flavorful dish ready in just a quarter of an hour. With a handful of garlic, a good glug of olive oil, and my favorite pasta, I’ve managed to turn a simple meal into a comforting experience that feels indulgent. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Imogen Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:37:34.470Z

When I first experimented with this garlic pasta, I was amazed at how something so simple could yield such bold flavors. The trick lies in letting the garlic infuse in the olive oil before adding the pasta. I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra kick, turning a basic dish into something extraordinary. Every time I make it, it surprises me how satisfying it feels, especially with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top.

Over the years, I've perfected the timing, ensuring that the garlic is perfectly golden without becoming bitter. If you're looking for a quick meal or an impressive dish to serve at dinner parties, this recipe has you covered. The best part is that you can customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies to tailor it to your taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Simplicity of ingredients makes it accessible for any home cook
The aromatic garlic paired with olive oil creates an irresistible fragrance
Quick preparation is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinners

Choosing the Right Pasta

While spaghetti is a classic choice for this dish, feel free to experiment with other pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free alternatives. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta selected, so be mindful of the package instructions to achieve that perfect al dente texture. If you prefer whole grain or legume-based pasta, they can also be quite satisfying, adding extra fiber and nutrients to your meal.

The shape of the pasta can affect how well it holds the garlic oil. For instance, hollow pastas like penne or rigatoni trap sauce inside, providing a flavorful bite with every forkful. I often find that using a variety of pasta shapes adds both texture and visual appeal to the dish, making it more inviting for guests.

Perfecting Garlic Oil

Cooking the garlic just enough to achieve a golden hue is crucial to avoid a bitter taste. Keep a close eye on it; this can take anywhere from 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Stir frequently, ensuring the slices brown evenly. If your garlic starts to darken too quickly, reduce the heat to low immediately – burnt garlic can ruin the entire dish.

If you're not a big fan of garlic, you can use roasted garlic instead. It offers a milder, sweeter flavor. Just mash the roasted garlic into the olive oil before adding it to the pasta. This alternative enhances the dish's creaminess, introducing a unique twist while still keeping it quick and easy.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Quick & Easy Garlic Pasta, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini just before serving. This not only boosts the nutrition but also adds color and variety to the dish. Toss in the vegetables when you combine the pasta and garlic oil for a one-pan meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Pairing this dish with a simple side salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar can create a delightful balance. Additionally, a drizzle of lemon juice over the plated pasta adds a fresh zest that complements the garlic beautifully. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp, turning this simple pasta into a more substantial meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Adjust the ingredients based on your servings and taste preferences.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

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

Prepare the Garlic Oil

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Stir in red pepper flakes and salt to taste.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredient Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to maintain the dish's moisture and prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even warming.

If you have extra garlic oil, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use it to drizzle over salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping oil for bread. This versatile oil brings a burst of flavor to many dishes, making it a worthwhile addition to your cooking repertoire.

Scaling the Recipe

One of the great things about this garlic pasta is how easy it is to scale up for larger gatherings. Simply double or triple the ingredients while maintaining the same cooking instructions. However, when cooking for a crowd, consider using a larger pot to accommodate more pasta without overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, you can easily halve the recipe. Cooked pasta can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner later in the week. Just prepare the garlic oil fresh when ready to serve, ensuring your meal is flavorful and satisfying any time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! This sauce works well with any pasta shape you prefer.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian, just ensure the Parmesan cheese is made without rennet if you're vegan.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make great additions for protein.