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: Serves 4
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Highlighted under: Simple Quick Classics

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I need a delicious meal in a hurry. The combination of garlic sautéed in olive oil with al dente pasta is unbeatable. With just a few fresh ingredients, this recipe allows me to enjoy a satisfying dish without spending much time in the kitchen. Perfect for those evenings when I want something quick yet flavorful, this pasta dish never disappoints. Let's dive into this simple and quick culinary delight together!

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:17:34.574Z

When I first came across the concept of a 15-minute pasta dish, I was skeptical. How could something that quick actually taste good? After several trials, I discovered that using fresh garlic and quality olive oil was key. The aroma wafting through the kitchen as the garlic sizzles is incredible.

Additionally, I learned about the importance of reserving a bit of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid can be added to the sauce for an extra richness that really elevates the dish. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this step!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick preparation time for busy nights
Bursting with rich garlic flavor
Customizable with vegetables or proteins

The Power of Garlic

Garlic is the star of this dish, imparting a robust flavor that elevates the simple ingredients. When sautéed in olive oil, garlic transforms from sharp and pungent to sweet and nutty, creating a rich base for the pasta. The key to achieving a perfect sauté is keeping the heat at medium; this prevents the garlic from burning and turning bitter. You'll know it’s ready when it becomes golden and fragrant, typically within 2 to 3 minutes.

If you love garlic and want to enhance its flavor, consider adding roasted garlic as well. Simply roast a few cloves alongside your sautéed garlic for a caramelized depth. Just remember, roasted garlic is much milder, so balance it appropriately. This addition can give your dish a unique twist while maintaining its quick prep nature.

Customizing Your Pasta

One of the joys of this Quick & Easy Garlic Pasta is its versatility. You can easily introduce a variety of vegetables to add color and nutrition. For instance, sautéing some spinach or cherry tomatoes along with the garlic for the last minute creates a beautiful contrast against the pasta and enriches the dish with added flavor. Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus can also be quick additions to this garlicky delight, making it a complete meal.

Additionally, consider incorporating proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a heartier main course. If adding proteins, ensure they are pre-cooked so you can quickly toss them into the skillet with the pasta. Not only does this add body to the meal, but it also makes this dish a fulfilling option for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to start:

Ingredients

200g spaghetti
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Make sure to have these ingredients on hand for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your pasta:

Cook the Pasta

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

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a smoother sauce. Season with salt and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan.

Your delicious garlic pasta is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken to make this dish even heartier. The key is to use high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing this garlic pasta is quite easy. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, but for the best texture, consider reheating it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce's silkiness.

For longer storage, this dish can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly when thawed. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and consume within a month. When ready to eat, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, ensuring you revive that garlicky aroma and flavor.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easy to multiply if you're cooking for a crowd. Simply maintain the ratio of spaghetti and garlic to oil when scaling it up. For example, if you double the recipe, aim for an even larger skillet to prevent overcrowding, allowing for that perfect golden garlic finish without any steaming.

Conversely, if you need to halve the recipe, just keep an eye on the sautéing time as the garlic can cook faster in smaller amounts. Always rely on visual cues and taste; your garlic should be golden and fragrant, but not browned too heavily, regardless of the batch size.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works great and adds extra fiber.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

→ What if I don't have fresh garlic?

You can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic provides a much richer flavor.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it when you're ready to serve the pasta.