If you are craving a dish that is deceptively simple yet bursting with flavor, this Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a beautiful example of how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying and comforting. This classic Italian creation is all about silky strands of spaghetti soaked in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, a gentle touch of chili heat, and fresh parsley, making it quick to prepare while never compromising on taste. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, you can count on this recipe to deliver warmth and deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this dish, the magic lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing out vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and perfectly balanced textures that make this Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe shine.
- Spaghetti: Long strands of spaghetti are perfect because they catch the olive oil and garlic beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use high-quality oil for the richest, most fragrant flavor—it’s the heart of the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to infuse the oil without overpowering the pasta.
- Dried chili flakes: Add just the right amount of heat that elevates without overwhelming, or substitute with fresh chilies for a brighter punch.
- Fresh parsley: Bright and herbaceous, it brings a lovely freshness and color contrast.
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle adds savory umami richness, perfect if you aren’t keeping the dish vegan.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and final dish, enhancing all flavors.
How to Make Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente—that lovely texture where the pasta is tender but still offers a slight bite. This step is critical because overcooked pasta will turn mushy and won’t hold the sauce well.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Chili Infused Oil
While your pasta cooks, slice your garlic thinly and, if you’re using fresh chilies instead of flakes, remove the seeds and finely chop them. Gently heat the extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add the garlic and chili and allow them to gently cook until the garlic turns pale gold—this slowly releases their flavors into the oil while preventing any burnt bitterness. Stir in the chopped parsley to bring that fresh herbal note into the mix.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the spaghetti is perfectly al dente, drain it, but don’t discard the pasta water—reserve about half a cup. Return the pasta to the frying pan with your fragrant oil mixture. Toss the spaghetti well, coating every strand. Add some of the starchy cooking water as needed to keep the pasta moist and juicy; this also helps the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully. Allow it to cook on medium heat for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally, to marry the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate this simple dish is with thoughtful garnishes. A final sprinkle of bright fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. If you’re not vegan, a dusting of freshly grated parmesan cheese offers a savory, nutty dimension that saves the dish from being one-note.
Side Dishes
This spaghetti pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables, adding textural contrast and more layers of flavor. A crusty piece of bread is always welcome to soak up any leftover olive oil and garlic goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, twirl the spaghetti neatly into individual nests on each plate and garnish with parsley and parmesan. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds shine and a luxurious finish. You might even toss in some toasted pine nuts or chili oil for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The pasta will soak up the sauce more, so it might seem drier but reheating with a splash of olive oil or reserved cooking water refreshes its sumptuous texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the garlic and olive oil sauce can lose its fresh flavor, and the pasta can become mushy when thawed. For best results, prepare fresh or refrigerate leftovers instead.
Reheating
When reheating, use a gentle method: warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of olive oil or water to restore moisture while stirring gently. This keeps the pasta silky and the flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair work wonderfully with the garlic and olive oil sauce.
How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Just omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The dish is delicious on its own with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley works in a pinch, but fresh parsley really brightens the dish. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Is it important to use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, using high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a big difference. It has the fruity, rich flavor that complements the garlic and chili perfectly and elevates the entire dish.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili flakes. For more heat, add extra fresh chilies or chili oil to taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be absolutely delightful. Give it a try and you might find yourself turning to this classic pasta time and again whenever you want something quick, tasty, and soul-satisfying.
Print
Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and flavorful Italian classic, Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil is an easy, budget-friendly pasta dish bursting with aromatic garlic, spicy chili flakes, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal anytime.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 grams) spaghetti or other long pasta
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 1 tsp dried chili flakes, or to taste (or 3 fresh chillies, deseeded and finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve (optional, omit for vegan)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, which means the pasta is tender but still slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta brand. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil gently in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes (or fresh chopped chilies). Cook gently for a few minutes, stirring often, until the garlic becomes pale golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Stir in the chopped parsley to infuse the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the spaghetti, then add it directly to the frying pan with the infused oil, garlic, and chili. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Add some of the reserved starchy cooking water, a little at a time, to loosen up the sauce and make the spaghetti moist and succulent.
- Finish Cooking: Cook the mixture on medium heat for about 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and bind the sauce to the noodles.
- Serve: Transfer the spaghetti to serving plates. Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be cautious when cooking garlic; gently infusing it without browning or burning is key to a delicious sauce.
- If using fresh chilies, remove the seeds to reduce heat intensity.
- You can adjust the chili amount to your spice preference or omit it for a milder version.
- For a vegan dish, omit the parmesan or use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Reserve pasta water is important for loosening and binding the sauce.
