Name: Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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Introduction

This classic Italian pasta with garlic olive oil sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly. With just a few ingredients, it delivers a perfect balance of savory garlic, a hint of heat, and fresh herbs. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting plate of pasta without fuss.

The image shows a close-up of a pan filled with spaghetti. The spaghetti is a light golden color, twisted around a wooden spoon held by a woman's hand lifting it from the pan. The pasta is sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley and small bits of red chili flakes. There is a light coating of melted butter or oil giving the noodles a slight shine. Shavings of white cheese, possibly Parmesan, scatter over the top, adding texture. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

400 g (14 oz) spaghetti
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
Step 5: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid burning it to prevent bitterness.
For a richer taste, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top.
Replace spaghetti with other pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine for variety.
Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to turn this into a heartier meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s texture. Avoid overheating as it may dry out the pasta.

How to Serve

A close-up of a pan filled with spaghetti pasta tossed in a light sauce, with the noodles coated in shiny oil and some small red pepper flakes scattered throughout. Fresh green parsley pieces are sprinkled generously on top, adding bright color. There is a layer of finely grated white cheese lightly covering the noodles. A wooden spoon is lifting a twisted bunch of pasta in the center right, showing the smooth texture of the noodles and the loose sauce clinging to them. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for its vibrant flavor, but if you need a substitute, use garlic powder sparingly. Add it with the oil and adjust to taste since it’s more concentrated.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be adjusted according to your preference. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.