Garlic spaghetti is a classic dish that goes back to the days I was still a kid, growing up with my parents. My mother would make this spaghetti so often that it became one of the very first Italian recipes that I tried cooking myself.
The thing that I really like about this spaghetti is that it greatly proves that all simple ingredients, mostly available in each and every kitchen, can do great things in flavor and that, too, in no time. Just with garlic, olive oil, and pasta—you have a delicious meal ready in 15 minutes. It is light, full of flavor, and would be the perfect thing to make if you are having one of those busy days and don’t have time but your tummy is growling.
You can also, at any time, adjust it to your taste by adding more ingredients. I will also be giving you some variations right at the end of this recipe.
You Need Two Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—no complicated techniques or exotically sourced ingredients are required. All this 15-minute garlic spaghetti needs is two ingredients: garlic and olive oil.
You focus on really fresh garlic and fine olive oil, allowing the ingredients to shine. It is one of those dishes that anyone can make, from a seasoned cook to a newbie in the kitchen.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This garlic spaghetti includes very few ingredients, but each one is very important. Here is what you will need to make this recipe. But, make sure to follow the notes!
Spaghetti: Use any good-quality spaghetti that takes about 8-10 minutes to cook. If you prefer, you can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is very important in Italian Cuisine. Choose garlic that feels firm, with unbroken skin. Mince garlic so it releases its flavor into spaghetti. But, be careful when cooking—it should turn golden, not brown, to avoid bitterness.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results whenever cooking Italian dishes. If possible, look for cold-pressed olive oil.
Here are some substitutions and additions you can try!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: This is totally optional. I like to serve the red pepper on the side so people can add as much or as little as they want. Some love a spicy kick, but it’s not for everyone.
Parmesan Cheese: A little freshly grated Parmesan on top will add a nice salty flavor that pairs well with the garlic and olive oil.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow this step-by-step guide to make sure you get perfect garlic spaghetti every time:
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt—it’s important to season the water well so your pasta absorbs some flavor.
Add 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should still have a little bite to it.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Oil
While the pasta cooks, heat ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is warm (but not too hot), add 5-6 cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic gently, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Step 3: Toss the Pasta with the Garlic Oil
When the pasta is ready, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss everything together, making sure each strand of pasta is well coated in the garlicky oil. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season the pasta with a good pinch of salt and pepper. For a little extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like.
Toss the pasta again, then serve immediately. I like to top it with some freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for extra flavor.
Pro-Tips
- It’s important to cook the garlic slowly over medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the garlic can burn quickly, and that will give the dish a bitter taste. You want it golden and fragrant.
- Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining. It’s full of starch and helps create a light sauce that clings to the pasta. If the spaghetti looks too dry, just add a splash of the pasta water to fix it.
- This dish is all about simplicity. Avoid adding too many extras that might overwhelm the delicate garlic and olive oil flavors. A little Parmesan or fresh parsley is all you need to finish it off.
You might also like Italian Chicken Francese Recipe
What Are Some Possible Variations with This Garlic Spaghetti?
Garlic spaghetti is a great base for all kinds of creative variations. Here are a few ideas to add more to this dish without losing its simplicity:
Add Protein: For a heavier meal, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even pan-seared scallops. These proteins cook quickly and pair beautifully with the garlic and olive oil.
Vegetable Boost: You can easily add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. They add color and texture and do not overpower the garlic flavor we all want in our spaghetti.
Lemon Zest: I want my spaghetti to be more light and fresh sometimes. For this, I add a little lemon zest just before serving. The citrus gives the dish a nice zing and balances the rich flavor of the olive oil.
Anchovies or Capers: If you like a more salty spaghetti, add a few anchovy fillets or capers. It will add a strong flavor that makes the dish feel more complex.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make a great addition too. Stir them before serving to add an extra layer of freshness to the dish.
How to Serve Garlic Spaghetti?
Garlic spaghetti is best served hot, right after it’s tossed in the garlic oil. It’s a light, flavorful dish that pairs well with simple sides:
Salad: I love serving garlic spaghetti with a fresh, crisp green salad. Something light, like arugula with a lemon vinaigrette, helps balance the richness of the olive oil and garlic.
Bread: A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette is always a good idea. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover oil and garlic on your plate.
Refreshing Drink: Try sparkling water with lemon slices or a homemade iced tea. The light citrus flavor complements the garlic and oil without being too heavy.
This garlic spaghetti recipe also works well as part of a bigger meal. If you’re serving it as a side, pair it with a main course like grilled fish, roasted chicken, or vegetable skewers for a complete dinner.
Reheating and Storage
While garlic spaghetti is best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely store leftovers for another meal, who doesn’t love food off the fridge when they are hungry and want a second session?
Storage: Place any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more garlicky!
Reheating: To reheat, add a drizzle of olive oil to a skillet and warm the spaghetti over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the pasta and make the texture rubbery.
Refresh with Oil: Before serving the reheated spaghetti, add a little extra olive oil and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice to refresh the flavors. You can also add a little amount of Parmesan or parsley to bring it back to life.
These tips should help keep your garlic spaghetti tasting fresh and delicious, even the next day!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, garlic spaghetti works well with many pasta shapes. You can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or even angel hair for a lighter texture. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic. However, fresh garlic provides the best flavor and fragrance. I always opt for fresh garlic!
Can I make garlic spaghetti ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it with a little extra olive oil to refresh the flavors. Just avoid making it too far in advance, as garlic pasta is best within 1-2 days of making it.
15 Minute Garlic Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Tongs or a pasta fork
- Measuring spoons
- Microplane or grater if using Parmesan
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 5-6 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5-6 minced garlic cloves and cook for 2-3 minutes, until golden and fragrant, but not browned.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the oil. If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Plate the garlic spaghetti and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Watch the garlic closely: Garlic can burn quickly, so keep the heat at medium and stir frequently.
- Customize the heat: Crushed red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice touch of heat if you like a little spice.
- Use fresh ingredients: This dish is all about simple, fresh flavors. Fresh garlic and a good-quality olive oil make a big difference.
