Name: Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti; 1 tsp salt; 1 bulb garlic (about 20 cloves, peeled and sliced thin); ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; ½ tsp cracked red pepper flakes; ½ cup olive oil; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp Italian parsley; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup reserved pasta water (from cooking spaghetti)

If there’s one pasta dish I keep coming back to when I want something quick, flavorful, and downright comforting, it has to be this Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe. I absolutely love how simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and spaghetti come together to create a dish that’s both elegant and homey. The aroma alone will have you excited to eat before you even sit down, and once you taste it, you’ll see why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at its best: This recipe uses pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality dish without any fuss.
Bold garlic flavor: Sautéing lots of thinly sliced garlic in olive oil infuses the pasta with incredible aroma and taste.
Versatility: You can easily customize it with spices, herbs, or proteins to suit your cravings or dietary needs.
Quick prep and cook time: The whole dish comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

A white pan filled with a single layer of thin spaghetti pasta cooked and mixed with small bits of white garlic and red chili flakes spread throughout. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The pan rests on a white marbled surface next to a blue and white striped cloth, with fresh parsley and some shredded cheese partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti, garlic pasta recipe, easy garlic pasta, quick Italian pasta, comforting garlic spaghetti

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, but trust me, using fresh garlic and good-quality olive oil makes all the difference. When shopping for spaghetti, I recommend a brand with a nice al dente bite so it holds up well when tossed with the garlicky oil.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked spaghetti strands neatly arranged, a whole bulb of garlic with some cloves peeled and thinly sliced, a few whole black peppercorns and some crushed red pepper flakes scattered gently, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a few fresh sprigs of vibrant Italian parsley, a small white bowl containing freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white bowl with clear pasta water, and a small pile of coarse sea salt crystals all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti, garlic pasta recipe, easy garlic pasta, quick Italian pasta, comforting garlic spaghetti

Spaghetti: Look for dried spaghetti with a slightly rough texture; it helps the sauce cling better.
Salt: Used both for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing the overall flavors.
Garlic: A whole bulb with about 20 cloves—slicing them thin is key to infusing the olive oil without burning.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds depth and a mild peppery note that complements the garlic.
Cracked red pepper flakes: I love these for a gentle kick, but you can adjust to taste.
Olive oil: The heart of this dish—go for extra virgin olive oil for that rich, fruity flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully into the pasta for a creamy touch.
Italian parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color that’s just as tasty as it looks.
Lemon juice: Just a splash brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Pasta water: Reserved to help loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles like magic.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe lends itself to so many fun tweaks. Whether I’m craving a bit more heat or want to add some protein, there’s always room to make it your own.

Adding Shrimp: I often toss in sautéed shrimp for a quick seafood twist that makes the meal feel extra special without extra effort.
Garlic Butter Twist: Swap half the olive oil for melted butter to get a rich, buttery depth that my family absolutely adores.
Vegan Version: Skip the Parmesan and sprinkle with nutritional yeast or toasted breadcrumbs instead—I promise it’s just as tasty.
Fresh Herbs: Besides parsley, I sometimes add fresh basil or oregano for a fresh garden flavor that’s fantastic in summer.

How to Make Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by setting a large pot of water to boil with about ½ teaspoon of salt. Salting the water is a game changer because it season the spaghetti from the inside out. When the water’s rolling, add the spaghetti and cook it until al dente, usually around 9 to 10 minutes—just tender but still a bit firm to the bite. Once done, strain the pasta but save about ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water. This will come in handy for the sauce.

Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic and Spices

While the pasta is cooking, heat ½ cup of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low. Add your thinly sliced garlic along with black pepper, red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon salt. This step is pure magic—slowly sautéing the garlic lets the flavor soak into the oil without burning it. Be patient and gently cook for about 2 minutes until you can smell that gorgeous garlic aroma but the cloves stay golden and not brown.

Step 3: Toss Pasta in Garlic Olive Oil Sauce

Immediately add the drained spaghetti to the olive oil and garlic pan, and toss it thoroughly. Every strand should be glistening with that aromatic oil. Now sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, chopped Italian parsley, and lemon juice. Add two tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and toss again. The pasta water helps melt the cheese into a silky sauce that clings beautifully. If you want it a bit looser, add a little more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time. That finish makes all the difference!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Thin Garlic Slices: I discovered slicing the garlic very thinly prevents burning and creates a beautiful infusion.
Low and Slow Heat: Cooking garlic over medium-low heat keeps it from turning bitter and preserves delicate flavor.
Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water; it’s essential for turning those simple ingredients into a silky sauce.
Cheese Timing: Add Parmesan off the heat with reserved water to get a creamy coating rather than clumps.

How to Serve Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m all about a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a little freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. Sometimes, a little lemon zest or a few thin lemon slices brighten things up even more, especially in warmer months.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette—it cuts through the richness perfectly. I also love pairing this spaghetti with roasted vegetables or some crusty garlic bread to make the meal feel complete without overpowering those delicate garlic olive oil flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like twirling portions of this spaghetti into little nests on the plate, topped with a sprig of parsley and a Parmesan shaving. It looks effortlessly elegant and gets everyone chatting about how deceptively simple and delicious the dish is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, I recommend storing the spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind, the pasta will soak up the oil and sauce, so it may feel drier the next day, but a little olive oil stirred in before reheating helps bring it back to life.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t freeze this one because the texture of pasta can get a bit mushy upon reheating. But if you want to, freeze the pasta and sauce separately to preserve quality better—thaw before warming gently.

Reheating

I find reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil is the best way to keep the pasta from drying out. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover it and stir occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even shorter pastas like penne; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. The key is that the pasta should have a good texture to hold the garlicky olive oil sauce well.
How can I make this garlic olive oil spaghetti less spicy?

If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. You still get tons of flavor from the garlic and black pepper without the heat. You can always sprinkle a little spice on top when serving if you like.
What’s the best olive oil for this recipe?

I recommend using a good quality extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, peppery flavor—it makes a noticeable difference. Avoid olive oils labeled “light” or “pure” as they lack the robust taste needed here.
Why do I need to save pasta water?

Saving pasta water is a classic trick! The starch in the water helps emulsify the oil and cheese into a silky sauce that clings to the pasta instead of running off. It also helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe has been such a comforting go-to for me during busy days and cozy nights in. It’s one of those dishes that makes you appreciate the magic of simple ingredients combined with little care and attention. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—once you do, I bet it’ll become one of your favorite easy dinners too. So grab some garlic, your favorite olive oil, and let’s get cooking. You’re going to love how effortlessly delicious this pasta turns out!