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 choice of pasta; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Kitchen Classics

I absolutely love whipping up a quick and delicious meal after a long day, and this 15-minute garlic pasta is one of my go-to recipes. It’s simple, full of flavor, and requires just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Garlic infused in olive oil creates a lovely aromatic base that coats the pasta beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy without taking up too much of your time or energy.

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:50:35.500Z

From the first time I made this garlic pasta, it quickly became a favorite in my household. The key is to not overcook the garlic; just a brief sauté until fragrant does the trick. Pair that with the perfectly al dente pasta, and you have a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated!

I also enjoy adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and some fresh parsley on top for a bright finish. It’s effortless yet so satisfying to make, and I often find myself experimenting with whatever veggies I have on hand to toss in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation in just 15 minutes
Delicious garlic flavor that permeates the dish
Versatile with endless customization options

Understanding the Flavors

The combination of garlic and olive oil is a classic for a reason. Garlic, when sautéed properly, releases its natural oils and infuses the olive oil with a rich, aromatic flavor. It’s important to sauté the garlic over medium heat for just the right amount of time—around 2 minutes—until it turns golden and fragrant. If cooked for too long, the garlic can become bitter. This aromatic base is essential as it brings the pasta to life, enhancing its simple carbohydrates with savory notes that linger with every bite.

Salt while cooking the pasta and when seasoning the sauce is key to elevating the dish. As the pasta boils in salted water, it absorbs some of that salt, which enhances its flavor. Similarly, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper just before serving ensures each component of the dish is well-seasoned. A simple technique to taste the dish for balance is to take a small forkful of pasta and assess if it needs more salt or a touch of pepper.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving a silky texture is all about the timing and the pasta water. After draining your pasta, be sure to reserve at least half a cup of the pasta water, as it contains starch that can help bind the sauce. When you add this reserved water gradually while tossing the pasta in the garlic oil, you create an emulsion that coats the pasta beautifully, giving it a glossy finish. This final step can transform your dish from ordinary to extraordinary, making it restaurant-worthy.

If at any point your pasta seems too dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash more of the reserved pasta water. Just ensure to stir continuously to achieve that perfect creamy consistency. Conversely, if it feels too saucy, allow it to simmer for an additional minute over low heat. This technique of adjusting fluid levels right at the end is a professional touch that can elevate home cooking significantly.

Tips for Customization

This garlic pasta serves as a fantastic canvas for a variety of additions. For protein, consider tossing in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even chickpeas to make it heartier. Vegetables like spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes can brighten the dish and add nutrients. Sauté any vegetables briefly with the garlic to ensure they retain their color and texture while absorbing those lovely flavors from the oil.

If you want to make it a bit more festive, consider adding cheese! Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can be stirred in after tossing the pasta, giving it a creamy finish. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast offers a similar umami flavor without the cheese. Don’t shy away from experimenting with fresh herbs too—a splash of basil or thyme can enhance the aroma and taste wonderfully.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Pasta

200g spaghetti or your choice of pasta

Sauce Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

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 the pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Garlic Oil

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Combine and Toss

Once the pasta is drained, add it to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serve

Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

For added nutrition, consider tossing in some spinach or cherry tomatoes right before serving. They will wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta and add color and flavor.

Make-Ahead Options

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity and speed, but if you want to plan ahead, you can prepare the garlic oil in advance. Sauté the garlic in olive oil, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before tossing with the pasta. This allows for an even quicker meal during hectic days without sacrificing flavor.

You can also cook your pasta ahead of time. Simply toss the drained, cooled pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When it’s time to eat, quickly reheat in a skillet with the garlic oil and reserved pasta water for a fast and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to prevent it from drying out. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This ensures the pasta retains its texture rather than becoming gummy or rubbery.

If you’re looking to freeze the pasta, it’s best to do so without the garlic oil and seasonings added. Instead, freezing plain pasta allows you to reheat and dress it with fresh garlic oil when you’re ready to eat. This can help maintain the flavors and textures integral to the dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find the garlic is burning before reaching that golden color, try lowering the heat slightly. Garlic can turn from perfectly sautéed to burnt very quickly, often in a matter of seconds. Keeping the stove at medium and watching closely will give you that nice, rich flavor without the bitterness of burnt garlic.

Another common issue arises when the sauce is either too oily or too dry. Remember, the goal is a well-cohesive dish. If the oil seems overwhelming, consider incorporating a bit more pasta water until the flavors meld balanced. Conversely, if it's dry, you can judiciously add a little more olive oil along with the reserved water, stirring continuously until it reaches that perfect consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape like penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free options as well.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! All ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect vegan dish.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make great additions to boost the protein content.