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, minced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Fast & Delicious

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I need something delicious yet extremely fast. It’s my go-to meal after a long day or when I want to impress unexpected guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The brilliance of this dish lies in its simplicity, allowing the rich flavors of garlic and olive oil to shine through. With just a handful of ingredients, I can create a satisfying pasta dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. Let's dive into this delightful recipe!

Created by

Rhea Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:33:34.663Z

This Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta has become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. I often find myself reaching for the same recipe because it delivers incredible flavors without demanding too much time or effort. It's amazing how just a bit of sautéed garlic in olive oil transforms pasta into something so delightful!

When making this dish, I discovered that using fresh garlic instead of powder elevates the entire experience. The aroma that fills the kitchen is irresistible, and pairing it with a sprinkle of parsley at the end makes it visually appealing too!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick preparation makes it a perfect weeknight meal
Rich flavor of garlic combined with a hint of spice
Satisfies hunger without weighing you down

Mastering the Garlic Flavor

Garlic is the star ingredient in this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta, and achieving the perfect garlic flavor is crucial. When sautéing the minced garlic in olive oil, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. You want the garlic to turn a light golden hue, releasing its aromatic oils without turning bitter. This delicate balance enhances the overall taste, contributing to a rich, savory sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.

To elevate the garlic flavor even further, consider using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced varieties. Fresh garlic has a more robust flavor, improving your pasta significantly. If you want a milder garlic taste, you can slice the cloves instead of mincing them, which allows for a subtler infusion into the oil.

Perfecting Pasta Consistency

The texture of the spaghetti is essential for this dish as well. Cooking it al dente allows for a delightful bite that holds up against the sauce. Be sure to taste the pasta a minute before the package's suggested cooking time to avoid overcooking. If needed, you can toss it directly into the skillet with the sauce immediately after draining, as it will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Reserve that cup of pasta water! It serves as your magic ingredient to adjust the sauce's consistency. Adding it in small increments helps to create a glossy, cohesive sauce that will cling to the spaghetti perfectly. If you find your pasta too dry, don't hesitate to add a little more water until it reaches your desired saucy level.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious pasta:

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your garlic pasta:

Cook the Spaghetti

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve

Season with salt and toss in fresh parsley. Serve immediately with optional grated Parmesan on top.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some lemon zest or freshly squeezed lemon juice just before serving.

Ingredient Variations

This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate ingredient variations. If you want to add some protein, cooked shrimp or grilled chicken make fantastic additions. Simply toss them into the skillet after the garlic is sautéed for a few minutes to warm them through, integrating into the flavors of the sauce without altering the overall simplicity.

For a vegetarian option, sauté some seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or spinach alongside the garlic. This not only enhances the flavor but also increases the nutritional profile of your dish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for vegetables to ensure they remain tender yet slightly crispy, adding a textural contrast to the pasta.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This pasta dish, while best served fresh, can be made ahead. Prepare the garlic oil mixture and cook the spaghetti, then let both cool before combining. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.

If you plan to freeze the dish, consider freezing the garlic oil separately from the pasta. This allows you to reheat the oil in a skillet and quickly toss in freshly cooked pasta, maintaining better texture. In the freezer, the garlic oil can last up to a month but make sure to label your containers for easy identification.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works well and adds extra fiber.

→ What can I add for protein?

Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs beautifully with this dish.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you skip the cheese.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.