Name: Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400 g (14 oz) spaghetti; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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Introduction

This Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. With aromatic garlic, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, it’s a perfect quick meal for any day of the week.

A close-up view of a pan filled with cooked spaghetti pasta, where a wooden spoon is lifting a neat bundle of spaghetti strands twisted around it. The pasta is coated lightly in a shiny, golden oil-based sauce. It is topped with small green bits of fresh herbs and a sprinkling of grated white cheese, with tiny red pepper flakes scattered throughout. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is warm and inviting, showing the texture of the noodles clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

400 g (14 oz) spaghetti
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
Step 5: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the garlic before adding olive oil.
Omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add more if you prefer extra heat.
Add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
Use fresh Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for topping to enhance taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce smooth.

How to Serve

A close-up of cooked spaghetti pasta wrapped around a wooden spoon lifted above a white bowl, showing a golden yellow layer of noodles mixed with finely chopped green herbs, scattered white grated cheese, and tiny red chili flakes. The noodles look shiny and oily, resting on more pasta in the bowl below. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any long pasta like linguine, fettuccine, or even bucatini works well with this garlic olive oil sauce.

How can I avoid burning the garlic?

Cook the garlic over medium or medium-low heat and watch carefully; garlic can burn quickly and become bitter. Remove from heat as soon as it turns golden and fragrant.