Garlic and oil pasta is simple comfort food at its best. This classic olive oil pasta delivers big flavor with minimal ingredients — perfect for a quick weeknight meal that tastes like a Roman trattoria. After trying this, you might also enjoy other pasta variations such as three mushroom pasta or Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni).
This video pretty much sums up the tastiness of garlic and oil pasta
To make garlic and oil pasta you will need :
We have included affiliate links in this post for your convenience. You can read our disclosures on the original site. Thanks for supporting the author!
- Spaghetti
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
- Pine nuts
- Parsley
- Parmesan
- Salt
This dish relies on a few high-quality ingredients: spaghetti, good olive oil and garlic. We add a touch of heat with red chili flakes, a crunchy note from toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley for brightness and grated Parmesan to finish. With these simple additions, the humble plate of pasta becomes remarkably satisfying.
Tips to make olive oil pasta
- For perfectly al dente pasta, cook the spaghetti one minute less than the package directions. It will finish cooking in the pan with the sauce.
- Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil — it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Toast and use plenty of pine nuts for added texture and richness.
Make this spaghetti with garlic and oil recipe your own
- Swap butter for olive oil to create a richer, creamier version.
- Add a splash of cream for a silky garlic pasta.
- Finish with lemon zest or juice for a bright lemon-garlic variation.
- Stir in extra Parmesan for a cheesy garlic-parmesan pasta.
- Top with protein or vegetables you love: grilled chicken, shrimp, sautéed spinach, sausage, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes or asparagus.
Travel and family traditions inspired this dish — it’s a pasta we often order in Italy for its straightforward flavor and comforting simplicity. Italian cooking shines when a few excellent ingredients are combined thoughtfully: olive oil, garlic, Parmesan and good seasoning. A light starter such as bruschette complements this pasta beautifully.
FAQs
When is spaghetti just right? How do you know it is ready?
Follow the package time, then cook the pasta for one minute less than indicated. The pasta will finish cooking for another minute in the frying pan with the garlic, oil and other ingredients, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
This simple spaghetti with garlic and oil will make you feel like you’re dining in Rome.
More Pasta Recipes
- Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
- Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni)
- Rasta Pasta
- Jerk Shrimp Pasta
- Three Mushroom Pasta
- Salmon Zucchini Lasagna
- Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
Pin for later!
Garlic and Oil Pasta
- Author: A Hedgehog in the Kitchen
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: For 2
Description
Garlic and oil pasta is a simple, flavorful Italian dish made with spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, parsley and red chili flakes. It’s quick to prepare and perfect when you want a satisfying meal without fuss.
Ingredients
- 1/3 lbs of spaghetti
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely sliced)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp pine nuts
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- Parmesan (grated)
- Salt
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti for one minute less than the time on the package.
- The pasta will finish cooking for an extra minute in the pan.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over low heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the pan.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the pine nuts, chopped parsley and a couple pinches of salt; toss and cook for another minute.
- Serve topped with a generous handful of grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian