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Garlic Pasta

Garlic Pasta

A quick and flavorful Garlic Pasta recipe ready in 20 minutes, featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. Ideal for busy nights or a comforting meal with simple ingredients.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 200 grams of spaghetti or linguine

Garlic and Oil

  • 4 to 6 fresh garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), a pinch

Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid will help bind the sauce perfectly.
  2. Prepare the garlic: While the pasta cooks, peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. The finer you chop, the more evenly the garlic will infuse the oil and flavor the dish.
  3. Sauté the garlic: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently, stirring frequently until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden—but not browned, to avoid bitterness. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic-infused oil. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta.
  5. Season and garnish: Season generously with salt and optional red pepper flakes. Toss again, then remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately with a healthy dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor compared to powders or pre-minced versions.
  • Keep the garlic sauté on medium or lower heat to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Always save some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and keep it glossy and smooth.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture prevents mushiness when tossed in sauce.
  • Taste as you go when adding salt to avoid over-salting.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: garlic pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy garlic pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta