Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta

Name: Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti or your choice of pasta; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Express Plate Creations

I love whipping up quick meals, and this 15-minute garlic pasta is one of my absolute favorites. It’s incredibly easy to make but packed with flavor, which means I can satisfy my cravings in no time. The simplicity of garlic paired with al dente pasta makes for a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. What’s great is that you can customize it with any vegetables or proteins you have on hand, making it a versatile option that I keep coming back to.

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:01:34.829Z

When I first tried making this garlic pasta, I was amazed at how much flavor you can pack into such a short cooking time. The key is to cook the garlic gently to release its natural sweetness without burning it. I experimented a bit and found that adding a splash of pasta water at the end gives it a lovely creaminess without needing heavy sauces.

Another tip I've learned is to use a good quality olive oil. It really elevates the dish, creating a beautiful, aromatic finish. Try tossing in some fresh herbs or grated cheese if you have some on hand for an even bigger flavor punch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes
Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite ingredients
A delightful balance of garlic flavor and olive oil richness

Mastering Garlic Flavor

The key to achieving the perfect garlic flavor is to sauté the minced garlic slowly over medium heat. Aim for a time range of 1-2 minutes; this allows the garlic to release its natural oils and develop a light golden color without burning. Overcooked garlic can turn bitter, which mars the dish's overall flavor profile. If you notice the garlic starting to darken too quickly, lower your heat to avoid unpleasant flavors.

Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe as it imparts a robust, aromatic essence that dried garlic simply can't match. When choosing garlic, ensure the cloves are firm and skin is unblemished; avoid any with soft spots, as these are signs of age. If you're in a pinch, garlic powder can be used but limit it to about 1/4 teaspoon to prevent overpowering the dish.

Pasta Perfection

Cooking pasta to the right texture is crucial in this recipe. Stopping just shy of the al dente stage, about 8-9 minutes for spaghetti, ensures it maintains firmness when combined with the garlic oil. Additionally, reserving pasta water acts as a culinary secret—its starchiness helps emulsify the sauce, creating a glossy finish that clings beautifully to the pasta and elevates the overall dish.

Don't forget to salt your boiling water generously; this is your opportunity to infuse flavor into the pasta itself. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4-6 quarts of water. This small step can make a significant difference, enhancing the pasta's taste and ensuring each bite is seasoned well.

Creative Variations

This garlic pasta dish is an excellent canvas for your culinary creativity. Consider adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrition and color. If you want to include protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans work seamlessly—you can toss these in during the last minute of cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the additions.

For an extra layer of flavor, you might drizzle in some fresh lemon juice just before serving. The acidity from the lemon brightens up the richness of the olive oil and garlic, creating a more balanced dish. Alternatively, mixing in a teaspoon of pesto or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving can elevate the meal to new heights.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start cooking.

Ingredients

200g spaghetti or your choice of pasta
4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have these on hand to enhance your garlic pasta experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a quick and easy preparation.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and golden, but not burnt.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the pan with garlic, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

Enjoy your delicious quick garlic pasta!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or seasonal vegetables for a heartier meal. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving!

Make-Ahead and Storage

While this garlic pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead by cooking the pasta and preparing the garlic oil separately. Store each component in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the garlic oil over low heat and add the pasta, adding a splash of reserved water to rejuvenate the texture.

If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a bit of olive oil and water to prevent it from drying out. Microwaving is convenient but may lead to uneven heating; for the best texture, stick with the stovetop method.

Scaling Up or Down

This recipe is easily scalable based on your needs. If you're cooking for a crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients, maintaining the same ratios. Keep in mind that you'll need a larger pot and possibly multiple pans for sautéing to accommodate the increased volume without crowding the garlic, which can cause uneven cooking.

Conversely, if you're cooking just for one or two, you can halve the recipe without any issues. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking time for the pasta, as smaller quantities may cook faster. This adaptability allows you to enjoy garlic pasta any night of the week without feeling constrained by serving size.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue when making garlic pasta is ending up with greasy noodles. This can happen if too much olive oil is used or if the pasta is added before adequately combining the garlic and oil. To fix this, simply add more pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency, ensuring the pasta is well-coated without an excessive oily sheen.

Another potential pitfall is underseasoning the dish. Taste-testing at various stages is key. After tossing the cooked pasta in the garlic oil, check for salt levels and balance of flavors. If it feels bland, a pinch more salt or a dash of lemon can brighten and enhance your dish substantially, transforming it from ordinary to extraordinary.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works great! Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.

→ Can I make this pasta in advance?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and reheat them together.

→ What can I substitute if I don't have olive oil?

You can use butter or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.