When you’re hungry, short on time, and want something comforting yet flavorful—Simple Pasta with Olive Oil comes to the rescue. This recipe is minimal, satisfying, and truly timeless. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish never disappoints.
Also known as Aglio e Olio in Italian, this humble pasta hails from Naples and celebrates the art of using simple ingredients. Traditionally made with olive oil, garlic, and pasta, it’s a staple in many Italian households and has now become a favorite worldwide for its ease and elegance.
If you’re looking for a creamy, flavor-packed dinner that’s sure to impress, don’t miss our delicious Marry Me Chicken recipe!
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Ingredients
Here’s what you need and why it works:
- Spaghetti: The classic choice for this dish. It holds the oil beautifully and offers a nice bite when cooked al dente.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the heart of the dish—use the best quality you can find. It adds richness, aroma, and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Sliced thin and gently sautéed to a golden brown—it infuses the oil and gives the pasta its signature flavor.
- Optional but delightful: red chili flakes for heat, fresh parsley for color, and a sprinkle of parmesan for added richness.
See recipe card for quantities.
For a refreshing and vibrant side dish, try our zesty Tropical Cucumber Salad recipe perfect for summer meals and BBQs!
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite,
- Step 2: In a skillet combine olive oil and garlic. Cook over medium heat to slowly toast garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low when olive oil begins to bubble. Add chili flakes and black pepper. Cook and stir. Add chopped parsley and stir again until the garlic is golden brown. Now pour some leftover pasta water and stir for about another 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add cooked pasta and combine it well
- Step 4: Serve pasta topped with Parmesan cheese.
Hint: Don’t overcook the garlic! It should turn light golden—not brown—or it will taste bitter. Keep the heat low and stay close to the pan.
Substitutions
Pasta: Use linguine, angel hair, or gluten-free pasta if desired.
Oil: If you're out of olive oil, avocado oil can work in a pinch, but flavor will vary.
Garlic: Garlic powder is not a good substitute here—fresh garlic is essential.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes while the garlic is cooking.
Lemon Zest: A hint of lemon zest or juice adds freshness.
Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.
Green Touch: Toss in some sautéed spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Reasons To Adore This Recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Uses just 3 basic ingredients
- Vegan-friendly and budget-conscious
- Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights
- Totally customizable
Storage
Leftover pasta can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in a container. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra oil to loosen it up.
Top Tip
Keep some of the pasta water before draining. Adding it to the oil helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
Simple Pasta with Olive Oil
This Simple Pasta with Olive Oil is the perfect example of how a few basic ingredients can create a truly satisfying dish. Inspired by the traditional Italian “Aglio e Olio,” this recipe combines spaghetti, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil to deliver rich, comforting flavor in just minutes. The garlic is gently sautéed to infuse the oil, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a silky, aromatic meal.
Ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when your pantry is nearly bare, this dish never fails to impress. You can spice it up with red chili flakes, add fresh parsley for brightness, or toss in extras like shrimp or spinach to make it your own. It’s naturally vegan, budget-friendly, and ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this simple pasta proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 1⁄2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced/chopped
- 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
STEP 1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 10 to 12 minutes
STEP 2
In a skillet combine olive oil and garlic.
Cook over medium heat to slowly toast garlic, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low when olive oil begins to bubble. Add chili flakes and black pepper. Cook and stir. Add chopped parsley and stir again until the garlic is golden brown. Now pour some leftover pasta water and stir for about another 5 minutes.
STEP 3
Add cooked pasta and combine it well
Serve pasta topped with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 771Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 535mgCarbohydrates: 89gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 22g
FAQ
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the garlic oil in advance and cook pasta when ready to eat.
Yes! Just skip any cheese toppings, and it’s fully plant-based.
Garlic is essential here, but you can reduce the amount or add a pinch of garlic-infused oil for a milder taste.
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