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 of garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Highlighted under: Effortless Eats

I absolutely love whipping up this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I'm short on time but craving something delicious. The garlic infuses the dish with flavor, while the olive oil adds a lovely richness. I always keep a few staple ingredients on hand, like spaghetti, garlic, and fresh parsley, making this a go-to recipe for busy evenings. With just 15 minutes from start to finish, it’s the perfect meal for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:57:34.625Z

When I first tried making this garlic pasta, I was surprised by how much flavor I could pack into such a short cooking time. The key is ensuring the garlic is sautéed just enough to mellow its sharpness without burning it. I've played around with different herbs and spices, but I always come back to this classic combination because it’s both simple and satisfying.

This recipe truly shines with the addition of freshly chopped parsley and a generous drizzle of quality olive oil. It elevates the dish, giving it brightness and depth that transforms a basic meal into something special, even on a hectic weeknight.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Incredibly quick and straightforward, perfect for busy nights
Full of fragrant garlic aroma that fills your kitchen
Versatile enough to add your favorite veggies or proteins

Why Fresh Ingredients Matter

Using fresh ingredients like garlic and parsley in this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta elevates the dish significantly. The garlic becomes aromatic and brings a punch of flavor when sautéed, yet it's crucial to manage the heat; aim for medium heat to prevent it from burning, which can turn the flavor bitter. Trust me, the delightful perfume that fills your kitchen during cooking is irresistible and indicative of a delicious meal ahead.

Fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant color but also a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich olive oil. Finely chopping the parsley enhances its flavor release, making it a perfect finishing touch. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like basil or even spinach for a different flavor profile.

Perfecting the Pasta

Cooking spaghetti to the perfect al dente texture is crucial for this recipe. Under-cooking it slightly is a good strategy; it will continue cooking once mixed with the hot garlic oil. Remember to save that reserved pasta water as it serves as nature's perfect emulsifier, helping to create a silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti. If the mixture seems dry, add a little pasta water until it reaches your desired texture.

When combining the pasta and garlic oil, use tongs or a pasta fork to toss them together gently. This technique ensures each strand is evenly coated with garlic goodness. Keep an eye on the heat; too high and you risk splattering oil, while too low may leave the garlic undercooked. A well-balanced approach guarantees a mouthwatering result.

Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

200g spaghetti
4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Feel free to customize with additional veggies or proteins!

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Sauté the garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your quick and delicious meal!

Feel free to sprinkle some grated cheese on top for a richer flavor!

Pro Tips

Don’t let the garlic brown too much
it can turn bitter. Keep stirring, and trust your nose!

Storage and Meal Prep

This Quick & Easy Garlic Pasta is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or a spoonful of water to rehydrate the pasta, ensuring it doesn’t dry out in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you plan to serve this pasta later, consider cooking the spaghetti slightly less than al dente so it stands up better during reheating.

For meal prep, you could pre-mince garlic and chop parsley ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, so they’re ready to go when you need a quick recipe. However, only combine the ingredients right before serving to maintain the fresh flavors.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences! Try adding in vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition and color. Sautéing vegetables right after the garlic can infuse them with the same aromatic flavor while adding texture to the dish. If you enjoy protein, a simple addition of grilled chicken or shrimp can transform this dish into a hearty meal.

For those desiring a creamier pasta, a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese mixed with pasta water at the end can create a rich sauce that envelops the spaghetti beautifully. This variation retains the original garlic flavor while adding a refreshing twist to the classic recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta shape you have on hand.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just ensure any additional ingredients you add are also vegetarian.

→ Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

While it's best fresh, you can cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a little olive oil and garlic.

→ What can I add for extra protein?

Cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans are great options to add protein to this dish.