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, thinly sliced; 60ml extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I'm pressed for time but still want a delicious meal. The beauty of this simple dish lies in its vibrant garlic flavor and the fragrant aroma that fills my kitchen. With just a few pantry staples, I can create a satisfying dinner in under 20 minutes. By toasting the garlic to a golden brown, I ensure it provides a rich depth to the pasta while the optional red pepper flakes lend a nice kick. It's the perfect go-to recipe for those busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:37:34.041Z

When I first tried making this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta, I was pleasantly surprised by how a few simple ingredients transformed into something so delightful. The key is to cook the garlic perfectly—just until golden—to bring out its natural sweetness without letting it turn bitter. I've learned that using high-quality olive oil makes a difference, too, providing an extra layer of flavor.

Over time, I’ve tweaked this dish to accommodate my cravings; adding spinach or cherry tomatoes brings freshness and color. It’s incredible how versatile this recipe is; you can easily adapt it to whatever you have on hand. Each time I make it, I create a new variation, but the garlic essence remains my favorite part!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick preparation time perfect for busy weeknights
Robust garlic flavor that tantalizes your taste buds
Easily customizable with vegetables or proteins

      

Choosing Your Pasta

While spaghetti is the classic choice for this dish, you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine. These alternatives will give a slightly different texture but still complement the garlic sauce beautifully. Just be mindful of the cooking times for each type of pasta, as they can vary. Always taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.

If you're looking to add a healthy twist, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Whole wheat options will provide a nutty flavor and additional fiber, while gluten-free pasta made from brown rice or quinoa offers a similar texture to traditional options. Be sure to check the cooking instructions specific to these pastas, as they often require less water and cook for a shorter time.

The Role of Garlic

Garlic is the star of this dish, and its preparation is crucial for developing deep flavors. Thinly slicing the garlic allows it to cook evenly and infuse the oil, creating a fragrant base for your pasta. When sautéing, keep an eye on the garlic; once it turns golden, it releases a robust aroma. If it darkens too much, it will taste bitter, so I always recommend stirring frequently and removing it from heat promptly.

For a slightly milder taste, you can use roasted garlic instead. Roasting garlic transforms its sharpness into a sweet, creamy element that pairs well with the olive oil. Simply wrap whole garlic cloves in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for around 30-35 minutes until soft. Mash the roasted cloves and stir them into the pasta for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick & Easy Garlic Pasta is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, or toss in seasonal vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for a fresh burst of flavor. Sauté these veggies alongside the garlic for an inviting balance of colors and nutrients on your plate.

Consider serving the pasta with a side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the olive oil. You can also enhance the dish by adding a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving, which brightens the flavors and adds an aromatic finish. Leftovers, if there are any, reheat beautifully—just add a touch of water to the skillet to loosen the pasta before warming it over medium heat.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a flavorful pasta dish:

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
60ml extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Having these ingredients ready will ensure your cooking process is quick and seamless!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your pasta:

Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the garlic oil. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to help the sauce adhere.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, season with salt to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately!

This simple yet delicious pasta dish is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. You can also mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Leftover garlic pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it's best to gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water or olive oil to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This method helps preserve the texture and flavors without making the pasta mushy.

If you're interested in meal prep, you can cook the pasta a day in advance and store it without dressing. Just make sure to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When you're ready to eat, follow the sautéing steps to bring the garlic flavors back to life. Freezing is not recommended for this dish due to the oil and garlic, as they can change texture upon thawing.

Variations to Try

To add even more depth to your garlic pasta, consider incorporating capers or anchovies during the sautéing stage. Both ingredients introduce a savory umami flavor that nicely complements the garlic. If you want a creamier version of this dish, finish it with a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese just before serving to create a rich sauce that clings to the pasta.

Another fun variation includes tossing in some olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair. These ingredients add both color and a burst of flavor, taking your dish from simple to spectacular with minimal effort. Experimenting with herbs like basil or oregano freshens up the dish and enhances the overall aroma, so don’t hesitate to personalize it according to your taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative!

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the pasta and prepare the garlic oil ahead of time, then combine them right before serving.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.