Description
Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce: Simple, flavorful, and quick recipe using garlic, olive oil, and pasta. Perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) long pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini)
- ½ cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil (use your best bottle)
- 6–8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (not minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- Salt for pasta water (at least 1 tablespoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by slicing your garlic thinly and uniformly—this ensures even cooking and prevents bitter burnt spots. Chop your parsley and set it aside. Having everything prepped before starting is essential since this Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce comes together quickly once you begin cooking.
- Step 2: Cook The Pasta Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt—the water should taste salty like the sea. Add your pasta and cook until just shy of al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Set a timer so you don’t miss the perfect moment.
- Step 3: Prepare The Garlic Oil While the pasta cooks, add your olive oil to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and gently cook, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully as the garlic begins to turn golden—this should take about 3-4 minutes. When it reaches a light golden color, add the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat if your pasta isn’t ready yet.
- Step 4: Combine And Finish When the pasta is almost done, return the garlic oil to medium heat if you’ve taken it off. Using tongs, transfer the pasta directly from the water to the skillet (don’t worry about draining it completely). Add about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss vigorously to coat the pasta. The starchy water will emulsify with the oil, creating a silky coating that clings to each strand. If it seems dry, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Step 5: Serve Immediately Add most of the parsley and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide among warmed plates, topping each serving with remaining parsley and grated Parmesan if using. Your Italian Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil Sauce should be served immediately while hot and perfectly silky.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 450 calories per serving
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 5 mg