Zippy Savory Garlic and Oil Pasta Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Weeknight dinners demand quick and delicious solutions like this stunning garlic and oil pasta that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece.

Authentic Italian cuisine shines through every twirling forkful of this classic dish.

The combination of fragrant garlic, golden olive oil, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building depth and richness.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the elegant simplicity of this recipe.

Crushed red pepper adds a subtle kick that awakens the palate.

Your dinner table will come alive with the rich, comforting aroma of this timeless Italian favorite.

How to Cook Garlic and Oil Pasta at Home

• Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Get a big pot, add salt to the water, and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the spaghetti and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Before draining, grab a cup of the starchy cooking water.

• Create Flavor Base

Warm up olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance until it turns a beautiful golden color, releasing its magical aroma. Watch closely to prevent burning.

• Spark Some Heat

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and let them sizzle for a quick moment, infusing the oil with a spicy kick.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the cooked pasta into the pan, adding a splash of reserved water. Swirl and toss until every strand is glistening with garlicky goodness. Add more water if needed to help the sauce hug the noodles.

• Final Touches

Enhance with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in some chopped parsley and a hint of lemon zest.

• Plate and Enjoy

Serve immediately, maybe with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra indulgence.

Ways to Amp Up Garlic and Oil Pasta Flavor

• Garlic Rescue Technique: If garlic starts to brown too quickly, immediately remove the pan from heat and add a splash of pasta water to stop the cooking process.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the garlic oil base in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop even more intensely.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for extra protein and texture without complicating the simple recipe.
• Dietary Flexibility: Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free pasta, or make it vegan by omitting Parmesan cheese and using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Plating and Pairing Garlic and Oil Pasta

• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for those who love a spicy kick. Adds instant heat and excitement to each bite.
• Cheese Lovers' Dream: Top generously with freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino romano for a rich, salty complement to the garlic oil base.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or extra parsley right before serving to bring bright, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to balance the garlic's intensity and complement the light pasta.

Garlic and Oil Pasta Leftover Tips

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the pasta and sauce to maintain better texture and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Avoid microwave if possible to maintain pasta quality.
• Flavor Revival Hack: Add fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or extra grated cheese when reheating to refresh the dish's taste and appearance. These small additions can make day-old pasta taste almost as good as freshly prepared.
• Freezing Recommendation: While not ideal for this delicate recipe, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 weeks. Place in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat carefully to prevent texture loss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 533 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic and Oil Pasta Must-Haves

• Spaghetti: Provides the hearty foundation of the dish, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps season pasta water for maximum flavor absorption.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Dynamic duo that creates a punchy, warm flavor profile with sharp and spicy undertones.
• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Zest: Bright, fresh elements that add vibrant finish and lift the entire dish's complexity.

• Olive Oil: Essential for creating silky sauce base, select extra virgin for most robust flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth to the overall seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that introduces rich, salty complexity to balance the dish.

What to Use When Making Garlic and Oil Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with salted water.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta after boiling.
• Large pan: Used for cooking garlic in olive oil and combining pasta with sauce.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Perfect for stirring pasta and mixing ingredients.
• Grater: Optional tool for preparing lemon zest and Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring cup: Helpful for reserving pasta water.
• Knife: Used for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.

Savory Garlic And Oil Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spaghetti aglio e olio, a classic Italian pasta dish, delivers simple yet profound flavors from garlic, olive oil, and parsley. Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction for home cooks seeking authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup (25 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Flavor Infusion: In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, gently sautéing until it transforms into a golden, fragrant essence without burning – typically 2-3 minutes of careful attention.
3. Spice Awakening: Introduce red pepper flakes to the aromatic oil, allowing them to release their subtle heat for a brief moment, creating a nuanced flavor foundation.
4. Pasta Integration: Transfer cooked pasta into the infused oil, splashing in reserved cooking liquid. Toss vigorously to ensure each strand becomes luxuriously coated with the garlic-oil mixture, adjusting sauce consistency by gradually adding pasta water.
5. Final Seasoning: Elevate the dish with precise salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, brighten with chopped parsley and lemon zest for an aromatic dimension.
6. Serving Finale: Plate immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of parsley and a delicate dusting of Parmesan cheese for those seeking extra indulgence.

Notes

• Prevent Garlic Burning: Monitor garlic closely while sautéing, as it can quickly turn bitter and acrid when overcooked. Remove from heat immediately if it starts to brown.
• Master Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid before draining, which acts as a natural sauce thickener and helps pasta strands cling together seamlessly.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance. Start with a small pinch and gradually increase for a personalized flavor experience.
• Create Silky Sauce Technique: Add reserved pasta water incrementally while tossing, allowing the starch to emulsify with olive oil and create a smooth, glossy coating on each noodle.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 90 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg