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 or linguine; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, sliced; Salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Quick Kitchen Moments

I love making this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I need a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish packs a punch of flavor thanks to the fragrant garlic and fresh parsley. It's perfect for a busy weeknight or when unexpected guests arrive. The best part? You can whip it up in just 15 minutes! This pasta is certainly a go-to in my household that satisfies everyone’s cravings.

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-26T06:09:34.346Z

When I first tried making garlic pasta, I was amazed at how such a simple dish could be so incredibly satisfying. A quick simmer of garlic in olive oil blends seamlessly with perfectly cooked pasta. I always keep extra garlic on hand because it adds a depth of flavor that's hard to beat. Using fresh parsley at the end elevates the dish even more!

Another tip I've learned is to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. It helps to create a perfect sauce that clings to the noodles beautifully. This trick has transformed my pasta dishes, making them more luxurious without requiring any fancy ingredients.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation time, perfect for busy evenings
Deliciously aromatic garlic flavor that fills the kitchen
Customizable with veggies or proteins of your choice

Perfecting the Garlic Oil

The key to elevating the flavor of your Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta lies in how you prepare the garlic oil. Use a skillet with a heavy bottom to ensure even heat distribution, preventing the garlic from burning. Sauté the garlic slices over medium heat and keep a close eye on them; they should turn a golden brown without becoming crispy. The moment they begin to release their aroma, which takes about 2-3 minutes, they're ready to be combined with the pasta.

If you're a fan of robust garlic flavor, consider smashing the cloves before slicing them. This technique releases more essential oils, intensifying the garlic's flavor without the risk of burning like minced garlic might. Just be sure to monitor the heat carefully, as these flavorful oils can become bitter when overheated.

Customizing Your Pasta Dish

One of the great aspects of this garlic pasta is its versatility. You can easily add vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra nutrition. For protein lovers, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be tossed in after the garlic oil is prepared. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, heating proteins until they are fully cooked but not overdone, and blend them with the pasta while tossing with the garlic oil.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, switch out the traditional Parmesan for nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also experiment by varying the herbs; basil or oregano can offer a different twist, while the parsley brings freshness and color to the dish.

Make-Ahead and Storing Tips

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta as directed and prepare the garlic oil. Keep them separate until ready to serve. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to revive the dish and prevent it from drying out. This dish should be enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to soften the pasta. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the pasta and result in a gummy texture. If you're looking to impress guests, serve the pasta topped with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving to add a polished finish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

200g spaghetti or linguine
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, sliced
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Feel free to add chili flakes for some heat or Parmesan cheese for added richness!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Prepare the Garlic Oil

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully so garlic doesn't burn.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the fresh parsley.

Serve warm and enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or some grated cheese right before serving.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of pasta, spaghetti or linguine, plays a role in the final texture and presentation of your dish. Spaghetti provides a classic long noodle experience, while linguine’s broader shape allows it to hold onto sauces more effectively. Either option works well, but if you decide to use gluten-free pasta, keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package for specific instructions.

Fresh parsley isn’t just for decoration; it adds a vibrant freshness that complements the richness of the olive oil and garlic. However, if parsley isn’t available, you can substitute it with fresh arugula or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for a citrusy kick.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your garlic turns bitter, it means it was cooked too long or at too high a heat. Ensure your skillet is at medium heat and consider removing it from heat when it becomes fragrant but before it starts to brown excessively. If you end up with too much oil, simply drain the extra, but if it's too dry, adding reserved pasta water will bring everything back together nicely.

Should your finished pasta stick together, it may need more light tossing as you incorporate the garlic oil and parsley. A tablespoon or two of pasta water will also help loosen it up, allowing the oil to coat the noodles evenly without clumping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with any shape of pasta you prefer or have on hand.

→ How can I add protein to this dish?

You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a satisfying boost of protein.

→ What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried herbs like oregano or basil can work in a pinch, but fresh parsley really brightens the dish.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, just omit any cheese and use a plant-based pasta if desired!