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; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 60ml extra virgin olive oil; Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Effortless Weeknight Cooking

I absolutely adore making this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I'm in a time crunch but still want something delicious. It's a go-to meal for busy weeknights that only requires a handful of ingredients but delivers big on flavor. The spaghetti is tossed in fragrant garlic sautéed in olive oil, with a hint of red pepper flakes for a little kick. You can easily adapt this dish with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand, making it as versatile as it is quick to prepare!

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:33:34.442Z

My love for pasta shines through with this simple recipe, especially when I can whip it up in just 15 minutes. The beauty of this garlic pasta lies in its simplicity. I've learned that using fresh garlic really elevates the dish while providing a robust flavor that can still dance with light ingredients.

Moreover, the technique of gently sautéing the garlic in olive oil ensures you're left with a fragrant oil that beautifully coats the spaghetti. This is a dish that comes together quickly, but each bite reminds me why I prefer cooking over takeout any day!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights
Garlic and olive oil create a rich, aromatic flavor
Versatile base—add your favorite veggies or proteins easily

Ingredient Insights

The key to the unbeatable flavor of this Quick & Easy Garlic Pasta lies in the quality of your ingredients. Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil—it should have a robust and fruity flavor that will enhance the overall dish significantly. The garlic should be fresh; using pre-minced garlic may result in a less fragrant finish. Additionally, selecting pasta made from durum wheat, such as semolina spaghetti, will yield the best texture and bite, essential for holding onto the sauce.

Red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat to contrast the richness of the olive oil and garlic. You can easily adjust or omit these flakes based on your heat preference. If you have fresh peppers on hand, feel free to sauté them alongside the garlic for added flavor and texture. Incorporating ingredients like cherry tomatoes or spinach can elevate the dish while adding freshness, making it a colorful and delightful meal.

Cooking Techniques

One crucial technique to master is the timing of your pasta cooking in relation to preparing the garlic oil. Start boiling your pasta water only as you preheat your skillet. This approach ensures that both the pasta and the garlic mixture are ready around the same time, which is essential to maintain the dish's quickness. Always taste your pasta one minute before the package's indicated cooking time—look for that perfect al dente texture, which should still have a slight firmness when bitten.

When sautéing garlic, it's essential to keep the heat at medium to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste that overpowers the dish. Stirring frequently will help achieve a gorgeous golden color instead of dark brown, indicating that it’s time to mix the spaghetti in. Also, when combining your spaghetti and oil, start with a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve that glossy finish—too much water can dilute the flavor, while just enough helps the oil cling to the pasta beautifully.

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
60ml extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti

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

Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Once the spaghetti is done, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Garnish

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pan with the garlic for a colorful and nutritious boost.

Customizations and Variations

This Garlic Pasta serves as an excellent base for various customizations. If you have leftover grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned chickpeas, feel free to toss them in for added protein. For a veggie boost, consider incorporating zucchini or bell peppers sautéed with the garlic. You could even stir in some fresh spinach or arugula at the end, allowing the residual heat to wilt the greens without losing their vibrant color and nutritional value.

If you’d like a creamier texture, drizzle in a bit of heavy cream just before serving, or blend up some cashews with water to create a vegan creamy pasta sauce. Alternatively, try experimenting with different herbs beyond parsley—basil, chives, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest can add a refreshing twist to the dish, brightening the garlic's richness.

Storage and Meal Prep

While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely make it ahead of time! If you're meal prepping, cook the pasta slightly less than al dente, as it will continue to cook when reheated. Store the pasta and the garlic oil mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to keep it from drying out.

This pasta freezes well for quick meals later. To freeze, cool the spaghetti completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container, or use a resealable bag. For easy portions, consider freezing in individual servings. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw and pan-fry, ensuring everything is heated through and combined well. It’s a delightful way to reduce weeknight cooking time while still enjoying a fabulous homemade meal!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?

Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative for added fiber.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic oil in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta just before serving.

→ Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. You can keep it meat-free or add grilled chicken or shrimp if desired.