Why Make This Recipe
Quick Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a fast, flavorful meal. It requires just a few basic ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. The simple combination of garlic, olive oil, and parsley brings out fresh flavors that make this pasta a go-to recipe.
How to Make Quick Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley and toss again.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Quick Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if using. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
How to Store Quick Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
If you have leftover pasta, allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the pasta as needed.
Tips to Make Quick Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
- For added flavor, consider including cherry tomatoes or spinach when tossing the pasta in the skillet.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference if you like your pasta spicier.
- Always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining; it can help create a smoother sauce.
Variation
Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or another protein for a heartier meal. You can also use different types of pasta, such as penne or fettuccine, based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
2. Is it necessary to add cheese?
No, adding cheese is optional. The dish is delicious even without it, particularly if you want to keep it lighter.
3. How can I make it vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. Ensure you choose a vegetarian-friendly cheese if you decide to add Parmesan.
Quick Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fast and flavorful pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley and toss again.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider including cherry tomatoes or spinach. Always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining for a smoother sauce.