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 any pasta; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick Meal Inspirations

I absolutely love whipping up this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I need a satisfying meal in a hurry. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen. The aromatic garlic combined with the light olive oil creates a deliciously fragrant sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or an impromptu gathering with friends. Quick, delicious, and comforting – who doesn't want that?

Created by

Lucinda Price

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:50:35.523Z

When I first decided to make this garlic pasta, I was surprised by how simple and quick it was to prepare. I started with fresh garlic and let it sauté gently in olive oil, allowing the flavors to develop without burning. This technique really enhances the dish, ensuring that every bite is infused with that lovely garlic flavor.

Another great tip I discovered is to save a little pasta water before draining. Adding a splash of this starchy water to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta perfectly, creating that ideal creaminess without needing heavy cream. It’s a trick I now use in all my pasta dishes!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick preparation time for busy evenings
Aromatic garlic flavor that elevates every bite
Customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein

      

Unlocking the Flavor of Garlic

Garlic is a superstar in this dish, not just for its bold flavor but also for its aromatic qualities. When sautéing the minced garlic in olive oil, keep an eye on it; you want it to become fragrant and slightly golden without browning. Garlic that is overcooked will turn bitter, which can easily ruin this otherwise simple dish. If you find the garlic has browned too much, consider starting anew to maintain that fresh taste.

For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or vegetable broth after you sauté the garlic. This deglazes the pan, incorporating all those delicious bits stuck to the bottom and enhancing the sauce's overall flavor. Just remember to let it cook down for a minute or two before adding the pasta to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

Customizing Your Pasta Dish

This pasta is a blank canvas that welcomes customization. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the last few minutes of pasta cooking. Toss them into the boiling water for just a minute or two to blanch them before draining, keeping the vibrant colors and fresh textures intact. Alternatively, you may want to stir in some pre-cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost, making your meal more filling.

If you're looking to adapt this recipe to suit dietary needs, gluten-free pasta works wonderfully here; just be sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free varieties often require different timings. Additionally, for a vegan version, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a non-dairy alternative to keep the dish both tasty and suitable for all diets.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta can be made ahead, making it perfect for meal prep. To store, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. This helps to revive the sauce’s glossy texture without overcooking the pasta.

Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can lead to overcooked, gummy pasta. If you’re working with larger portions and want to freeze some, consider freezing it right after cooking, before adding any cheese or fresh herbs. When thawing, just remember to add a bit of reserved pasta water while reheating to bring back that saucy consistency.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

200g spaghetti or any pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your garlic pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the garlic oil. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

Now you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in just 15 minutes!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options to suit your dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Once your garlic pasta is ready, it’s time to serve! A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the top can enhance the flavors beautifully. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out your meal. For wine lovers, a nice Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic's brightness and adds sophistication to your table.

For added texture and flavor, consider garnishing your pasta with toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Simply toast them in the skillet for a few minutes until they’re golden brown before adding as a final touch. This brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that heightens the overall dish.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find that your pasta is clumping together after cooking, it’s often due to not enough water during the boiling process. Make sure to use a proper ratio of water to pasta, typically around 4-6 quarts for every pound of pasta. Stirring occasionally while cooking helps prevent sticking as well. If you've already drained the pasta and it’s stuck together, a light drizzle of olive oil can help ease it apart.

Should you accidentally overshoot the salt in the pasta water, there's a simple fix. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can help balance the flavor. Additionally, if the dish feels lacking in flavor after you’ve finished, try adjusting with more salt or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper to bring together all those aromatic garlic notes.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is hassle-free. If you're expecting more guests, simply double or triple the ingredients as needed while keeping the same cooking methods. Just ensure that your skillet is large enough or consider cooking the pasta in batches to maintain even heat distribution without overcrowding.

When scaling down, sticking to the same ratios will prevent issues. For instance, if you’re cooking for one, use 70g of pasta and adjust the garlic and oil to keep the flavors balanced. Don’t forget to taste as you go, as smaller portions can sometimes require slight adjustments in seasoning for optimal flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand.

→ How can I make it creamier?

To make the dish creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese when mixing the pasta and sauce.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or cooked beans can make this dish more filling.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just reheat with a bit of extra olive oil.