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, minced; 60ml olive oil; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Rapid Recipe Collection

I love whipping up Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I need a meal that’s not only fast but also bursting with flavor. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley creates a delicious aroma, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. It’s quick to prepare and uses minimal ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Join me in experiencing this easy pasta dish that proves delicious meals don’t have to take ages to make!

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:54:34.236Z

When I first attempted this recipe, I was amazed at how something so simple could be so satisfying. I typically have all the ingredients in my pantry, which makes it an ideal choice for those nights when I don’t want to put much thought into dinner. The key is to sauté the garlic just until it's fragrant but not browned, which perfectly infuses the olive oil.

Another tip I've found is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water. Adding a spoonful or two to the pasta before serving helps create a silky sauce that clings to every strand. I left my kitchen smelling divine and couldn’t wait to dig in!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick preparation in just 15 minutes
Aromatic garlic infuses rich flavors
Versatile dish that can be enhanced with fresh veggies or proteins

Mastering Garlic Infusion

The key to this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta lies in the proper infusion of garlic flavor. Sauté your minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat rather than high heat; this helps to extract the rich aroma without burning it. You should notice the garlic becoming fragrant after about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to achieve that perfect golden hue, which adds depth without bitterness. That way, you can enhance the overall taste without any risk of a burnt garlic flavor ruining the dish.

For those sensitive to strong flavors, you can lightly crush the garlic cloves instead of mincing them. This method diffuses garlic’s pungency while still allowing its essence to seep into the oil. If you love a milder garlic taste, sauté the cloves whole until golden, then remove them before the next step. It's an easy adjustment that allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Pasta Perfection

When cooking pasta, achieving the perfect al dente texture is crucial for this recipe. For spaghetti, this often translates to about 8-10 minutes of boiling, depending on the brand. To ensure optimal doneness, taste the pasta a minute or two before the package's indicated time. The pasta should be firm yet tender with a slight bite. Remember to reserve that cup of pasta water: it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on!

If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the timing recommendations as gluten-free pasta can cook faster. Also, keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but this dish will still deliver the flavorful experience you’re after. Feel free to explore various shapes like penne or fusilli for added texture—these will also hold onto the garlic-infused oil beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious garlic pasta:

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
60ml olive oil
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Make sure to adjust the seasoning based on your preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your pasta:

Cook the Pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but do not let it brown.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, toss with garlic-oil mixture, and add reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with chopped parsley.

Finish with Cheese

If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving, and enjoy your flavorful pasta!

Your delicious garlic pasta is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or toss in some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for a nutritional boost.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta, consider adding seasonal vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the sauté with garlic. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds vibrant color and nutrients. Sauté the veggies for about 3-4 minutes alongside the garlic until they're tender but still crisp, providing a delightful contrast to the tender spaghetti.

For protein lovers, grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms can be delightful additions. Simply cook them separately and toss them in with the garlic-oil mixture before adding the pasta. This makes the dish heartier and perfect for a more substantial meal without sacrificing the quick preparation time!

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, this pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the spaghetti from clumping together, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over it before refrigerating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to revitalize the garlic flavor and keep the texture invitingly silky.

Freezing is another great option if you want to prepare this dish in advance. Just remember that the texture of the pasta might change slightly when thawed. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it in freezer-safe bags. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When thawing, do so in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as recommended.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any type of pasta will work well; just adjust the cooking time as necessary.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan if you skip the Parmesan cheese.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a stovetop with a splash of water.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent additions that complement this pasta beautifully.