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 favorite pasta; Salt for boiling pasta; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Quick Table Classics

I absolutely love this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta! Whenever I find myself in a time crunch but still want something delicious, I turn to this recipe. The delightful combination of garlic and olive oil creates a robust flavor that is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with any protein or veggies I have on hand. In just 15 minutes, I can serve up a plate of pasta that feels gourmet, but really requires minimal effort and ingredients.

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:25:34.416Z

When I first experimented with this garlic pasta, I was astounded by how a handful of ingredients could transform into something so flavorful. The trick is to use good-quality olive oil and fresh garlic; it makes all the difference. I also found that tossing the pasta directly in the pan with the sauce allows the noodles to absorb every savory drop of flavor.

Additionally, I highly recommend finishing the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some cracked black pepper for that extra punch. It’s quick, it's easy, and it's become a staple in my weeknight menu!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick to prepare, ready in just 15 minutes
Minimal ingredients but maximum flavor
Perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a quick lunch

      

Mastering Garlic Flavor

Garlic is the star of this dish, and its preparation is crucial for achieving that aromatic punch. When mincing garlic, you want to create a fine texture to ensure it distributes evenly across the pasta. I often use a microplane for a finer mince, which helps release more oil and flavor into the dish, bringing a delightful depth without overwhelming heat.

Be cautious with the sautéing process; keep the heat at medium to prevent the garlic from burning. Burnt garlic turns bitter, ruining the sauce's overall flavor. Cook until it’s just golden and aromatic, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. This step is essential for developing that lovely, savory base that enhances the pasta.

Perfecting Your Pasta

When cooking the pasta, using a large pot filled with plenty of salted water is essential. The salt helps season the pasta itself, leading to a more flavorful final dish. For spaghetti, I recommend cooking it for about 8-10 minutes, testing for al dente texture, which should be firm to the bite, offering the perfect base for the garlic sauce to cling to.

Remember to reserve that 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining! This starchy water acts as a magic ingredient to adjust the sauce’s consistency, allowing it to coat the noodles beautifully. If your final dish seems too dry, a splash of this reserved water can elevate it, making the sauce glossy and rich.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This garlic pasta is incredibly versatile! To enhance the dish, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus during the sauce preparation stage. Just toss them into the skillet right after the garlic has sautéed. This not only adds color and nutrition but also brings new layers of flavor to the dish.

If you want to include protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions. Simply toss them in after combining the pasta with the garlic sauce to warm through. And for those with dietary preferences, you can easily substitute whole grain or gluten-free pasta without compromising the dish's heartiness.

Ingredients

Pasta

200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Salt for boiling pasta

Garlic Sauce

4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta in the garlic oil. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, adjusting with more pasta water if necessary.

Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein, or toss in seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so it’s best to keep the sauce separate if possible. When reheating, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil can restore some moisture and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry.

To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 1-2 minutes, but be sure to check the temperature in intervals to avoid overheating, which can change the texture negatively.

Dietary Considerations

For those watching their diet, this recipe can be tailored to fit low-carb or keto lifestyles by swapping traditional pasta for spiralized vegetables like zucchini or using a legume-based pasta. Both options still deliver satisfaction without the extra carbs, and the garlic sauce will complement the flavors beautifully.

If you’re looking for a vegan option, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can be a fantastic substitute here, providing a cheesy flavor without any dairy, making this dish friendly for various dietary needs.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta shape, such as penne or fettuccine.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Just skip the meat additions.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

It's best served fresh, but if you need to freeze, do so before adding cheese and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.