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Garlic Pasta

Garlic Pasta

Garlic Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and cozy meal featuring the rich aroma of fresh garlic, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious blend of olive oil and optional butter. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s customizable, comforting, and perfect for any meal time, delivering a satisfying dish that’s both quick to make and packed with bold, savory goodness.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Spaghetti or Linguine – 12 oz

Sauce

  • Fresh Garlic Cloves – 4 to 6, minced
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1/4 cup
  • Butter (optional) – 2 tablespoons
  • Red Pepper Flakes – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Salt – to taste
  • Black Pepper – to taste
  • Fresh Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional) – 1/4 cup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Cook 12 oz of spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente, meaning tender but still with a slight bite. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter (if using) over medium heat in a large skillet. Add 4 to 6 minced fresh garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir constantly until the garlic is golden and fragrant, infusing the oil with flavor without burning.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss thoroughly to coat each strand evenly. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  4. Season and Garnish: Finish by seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for brightness. Right before serving, sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish (optional but highly recommended).

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic cloves for the best aroma and flavor.
  • Keep the heat moderate when sautéing garlic to avoid bitterness.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the sauce bind well to the noodles.
  • Choose high quality extra virgin olive oil for enhanced depth and richness.
  • Cook pasta al dente to achieve the best texture and sauce adherence.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick pasta, comfort food, Italian pasta, weeknight dinner, simple garlic pasta