Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This classic Italian pasta with garlic olive oil sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying but fuss-free. The combination of fragrant garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley makes every bite delicious.

Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
3. Step 3: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder garlic flavor, gently cook the garlic without browning it too much to avoid bitterness.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Try topping the pasta with toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving directly as it may dry out the pasta.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this sauce pairs well with many types of pasta such as linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 106 reviews

This classic Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant sauce made of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it can be enjoyed as is or topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti

Sauce

• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. 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, typically about 8-10 minutes. Properly cooking the pasta ensures the best texture in the final dish.
2. Prepare the garlic oil sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the red pepper flakes to infuse some heat into the oil.
3. Drain the pasta and reserve water: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then drain the spaghetti thoroughly.
4. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture and create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to each strand.
5. Season and finish: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor.
6. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added savoriness and richness.

Notes

• Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter and affect the flavor of the dish.
• Adding reserved pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and makes it silky; add gradually to control consistency.
• Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and garnish.
• For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Keywords: Italian pasta, garlic olive oil sauce, spaghetti recipe, easy pasta dish, vegetarian pasta, quick Italian meals