Zesty Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic Recipe – A Simple Joy!

Weeknight cooking reaches new heights with this simple pasta that transforms basic ingredients into a culinary delight.

Garlic sizzles beautifully in warm olive oil, releasing incredible aromas throughout your kitchen.

Mediterranean traditions shine through each twirled forkful of deliciousness.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this classic dish comes together with minimal effort.

Salt and pepper become magical seasoning agents that enhance every delicate strand.

Comfort meets elegance in this straightforward recipe designed to impress without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor each bite slowly and appreciate the beautiful simplicity.

Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic That Hits the Spot

• Simple pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights with minimal ingredients and quick preparation.
• Beginner-friendly recipe that doesn't demand advanced cooking techniques, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious meal confidently.
• Inexpensive ingredients like pasta, olive oil, garlic, and parsley make this dish wallet-friendly without compromising on flavor.
• Easy to customize with additional ingredients like shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients to Make Perfect Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta perfect for absorbing garlic and olive oil flavors, traditional choice for this simple Italian dish.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Bold flavor enhancers that create a spicy and fragrant base for the pasta, choose fresh garlic for best taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color, preferably fresh and finely chopped.

• Olive Oil: Essential ingredient providing rich flavor and smooth texture, use extra virgin for best quality.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall taste, adjust according to personal preference.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds salty and nutty depth, freshly grated recommended.
• Lemon Zest: Optional bright garnish that provides citrusy freshness, adds a light, zesty note.

How to Cook Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic Like a Pro

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender. Before draining, scoop out some pasta water and set aside.

• Spaghetti
• Salt
• Water

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame. Slide in thinly sliced garlic and cook until edges turn golden and aroma fills the kitchen. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Olive oil
• Garlic slices

Step 3: Spark Some Heat

Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the oil. Stir quickly to distribute spicy flavor throughout the pan.

• Red pepper flakes

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Flavor

Lower stove temperature. Transfer drained pasta into the skillet. Swirl and toss pasta through garlicky oil. If mixture seems dry, splash in reserved pasta water.

• Cooked pasta
• Reserved pasta water

Step 5: Season and Finish

Fold in fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss until pasta is evenly coated with herbs and spices.

• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate immediately. Optional: Dust with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle lemon zest on top for extra brightness.

• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest

Pro Tips for Bringing Out the Best in a Simple Pasta

• Prevent Garlic Burning: Watch the garlic closely and keep heat medium-low to avoid bitter, scorched flavor that ruins the entire dish.
• Pasta Water Magic: Save the starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to help sauce cling perfectly to noodles and create a silky, smooth texture.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference by adding more or less to suit individual taste.
• Elevate With Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or oregano to add depth and brightness to the classic garlic oil pasta.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let olive oil and garlic come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even and consistent flavor distribution.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Oil Pasta Without Dryness

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Gently toss until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• This garlic and olive oil pasta doesn't freeze well due to the delicate texture of the sauce and fresh herbs, which can become mushy when thawed.

Side Dishes and Proteins to Pair with Garlic Oil Pasta

• Choose a light, acidic Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to complement the garlic and olive oil's delicate flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's subtle spiciness.
• Select a rustic Italian bread or ciabatta to soak up the flavorful garlic-infused olive oil, creating a perfect accompaniment that adds textural contrast and extra enjoyment to the pasta.
• Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to bring bright, peppery notes that balance the pasta's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the garlic and olive oil.
• Prepare bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil to introduce complementary Mediterranean flavors that echo the pasta's simple, elegant profile and stimulate the palate before the main course.

Easy Add-Ins for Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic

• Vegan Garlic Spaghetti: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, use dairy-free olive oil, add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Version: Swap regular spaghetti with chickpea, rice, or quinoa pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the classic garlic flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes to transform the light pasta into a more substantial meal with added protein content.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme instead of parsley to create unique flavor combinations and enhance the aromatic experience.

Questions About Olive Oil Pasta Answered

• Why use al dente pasta for this recipe?

Al dente pasta has a firm texture that helps it better absorb the olive oil and garlic flavors, preventing the pasta from becoming mushy and maintaining a perfect bite.

• Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini. The key is to choose long, thin pasta that will coat well with the garlic-infused oil.

• How important is using fresh garlic in this recipe?

Fresh garlic is crucial because it provides a more intense, robust flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic. Slicing it yourself ensures maximum taste and aroma.

• What does reserved pasta water do in this recipe?

Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps create a silky sauce, allowing the olive oil and garlic to cling better to the pasta and ensuring a more cohesive dish.

Pasta With Olive Oil And Garlic Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Garlic Pasta sparkles with Mediterranean simplicity, offering a quick culinary escape to Italian kitchens. Silky noodles draped in fragrant olive oil and roasted garlic invite you to savor each comforting, flavor-packed bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:

• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidance. Before straining, carefully extract and preserve a portion of starchy pasta liquid.
2. Simultaneously, warm olive oil in a generously sized skillet over moderate heat. Introduce thinly sliced garlic, allowing it to sizzle and transform into a delicate golden hue without scorching, which typically requires 1-2 minutes of attentive monitoring.
3. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the aromatic oil, gently stirring to distribute heat and awaken the spice’s intense flavor profile.
4. Reduce flame to a gentle simmer and transfer drained pasta directly into the fragrant skillet. Elegantly toss noodles, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated with the garlic-infused oil. If the mixture appears slightly dry, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to create a silky, cohesive sauce.
5. Incorporate freshly chopped parsley, season with salt, and add a whisper of black pepper. Thoroughly combine ingredients, guaranteeing an even and harmonious distribution of flavors across the pasta.
6. Present immediately, optionally embellishing with a delicate dusting of grated Parmesan and a bright sprinkle of lemon zest to elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity.

Notes

• Prevent garlic from burning by using medium-low heat and constantly monitoring the skillet to maintain a golden color without turning bitter.
• Keep some pasta water as a secret weapon to help sauce cling to noodles and create a silky, smooth texture when mixing ingredients.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing spice-sensitive diners to enjoy a milder version or heat lovers to add extra kick.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg