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; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons olive oil; Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Highlighted under: Busy Day Cooking

I absolutely love making this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I'm short on time but still want something delicious. It’s my go-to recipe for a quick dinner that feels both satisfying and indulgent. With a few simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti, I can whip up a meal in no time. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile! I often add in my favorite veggies or protein to make it even heartier, ensuring it always hits the spot.

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:47:35.139Z

When I first tried this garlic pasta, I was shocked at how something so simple could be so flavorful! The secret lies in properly sautéing the garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant but not burnt. I learned the hard way that burnt garlic can ruin the dish, so keeping an eye on it is key.

Another tip I discovered is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water helps to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, making every bite deliciously creamy without any heavy cream.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation time that fits into any busy schedule
Vibrant garlic flavor enhanced by fresh herbs
Easily customizable with your choice of veggies or protein

Selecting Your Ingredients

The success of this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta relies heavily on the quality of your ingredients. Fresh garlic is essential; its robust flavor shines as it cooks in olive oil. I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for its fruity notes, which complement the garlic beautifully. If you prefer a stronger flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This subtle heat adds depth without overwhelming the dish.

When choosing spaghetti, look for high-quality options made from durum wheat; they hold sauce better and provide a satisfying bite. If you're gluten-sensitive, swap in gluten-free pasta, but cooking time may vary. Be sure to check the packaging for the best results. Additionally, incorporating seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach can elevate the dish without requiring much extra time.

Cooking Techniques to Perfect Your Pasta

Timing is crucial when cooking spaghetti. Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks, ideally tasting it a minute before it reaches al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly after draining. Once you've reserved that half cup of pasta water, this starchy liquid becomes your secret weapon. Add it sparingly after combining with olive oil and garlic to achieve that perfect silky texture. If the pasta seems too dry, the reserved water is your best ally!

Sautéing the garlic requires careful attention. Cook it over medium heat until it is fragrant — about 1 to 2 minutes — but be vigilant not to let it brown. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor, ruining your dish. A well-executed garlic oil will gleam and be aromatic, setting the perfect foundation for your pasta. I like to swirl the skillet occasionally to distribute the heat evenly and ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful meal!

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready to go as this dish comes together quickly!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to cook your pasta to perfection!

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. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the garlic

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

Combine and finish the dish

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil and toss well. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Serve immediately while it's warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing. It gives the dish a wonderful heat without overwhelming the garlic flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it from drying out, you can toss the pasta with a little olive oil before refrigerating. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or more olive oil to bring back that creamy texture. Stir gently and heat just until warm, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

This pasta also freezes well, but I recommend storing it without the fresh parsley and Parmesan if you plan to do so. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating frozen pasta, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then follow the same reheating technique to keep those flavors fresh.

Creative Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are countless ways to make it your own. You can add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for an elevated dish. For a vegetarian option, consider incorporating chickpeas; they not only add protein but also a delightful nutty flavor and texture. Mix these additions during the garlic sauté phase to infuse their flavors into the oil.

If you're looking to boost the dish with greens, spinach or kale can be added towards the end of the cooking process. Toss them in with the spaghetti just as it finishes cooking; the residual heat will wilt them perfectly without losing their vibrant color. This not only makes the dish more nutritious but also visually appealing. Plus, feel free to experiment with different herbs, like basil or rosemary, to switch up the flavor profiles to your liking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, but cooking times may vary.

→ What can I add for protein?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions!

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of olive oil.