Go Back
–+ servings
Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce

Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce: Quick, Cozy Comfort Food

This Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce is a quick and flavorful vegetarian meal that embodies the essence of comforting Italian cooking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces spaghetti Feel free to swap with any long pasta variety
For the Sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced) Fresh garlic shines here, but powdered can work in a pinch
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil Adds richness; you can substitute with a light oil, though the flavor will differ
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Infuses a mild heat; adjust to your taste or omit for a milder sauce
For the Finish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped) Dried parsley is fine but won't have the same vibrancy
  • salt Essential for enhancing flavors; season the pasta water well
  • freshly ground black pepper Optional but highly recommended for extra flavor
  • grated Parmesan cheese Optional topping for creaminess and umami

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  3. Add red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds to infuse flavor.
  4. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain spaghetti. Transfer spaghetti to skillet with garlic oil, tossing gently to coat.
  5. If the pasta appears dry, gradually add reserved pasta water while tossing until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Season the pasta with salt and black pepper. Toss in chopped parsley for flavor and color.
  7. Serve hot, optionally topping with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Use quality ingredients like fresh garlic and high-quality olive oil for best results. Properly salt the pasta water for enhanced flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!