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; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 50ml olive oil; Salt, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Bites Co.

I absolutely love this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta! It's amazing how much flavor can be packed into such a simple dish. Whenever I’m short on time but craving something delicious, this is my go-to recipe. The garlic infuses the pasta with a rich aroma, and the use of just a few fresh ingredients transforms the meal into a comforting delight. What's better is that I can whip it up in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

Created by

Adeline Morris

Last updated on 2026-01-26T06:02:35.178Z

During one of my busy weeks, I stumbled upon the idea for this super quick garlic pasta. The moment I tried it, I was blown away by how just a few simple ingredients could combine to create something so delicious in just 15 minutes!

I've since perfected it by sautéing the garlic just right, which releases its flavor beautifully without burning. Tossing in some freshly chopped parsley at the end adds an aromatic finish that elevates the dish even more. You won't believe how easy and tasty it is!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick cooking time perfect for busy nights
Deliciously fragrant with a rich garlic flavor
Versatile add-ins for customizing to your taste

Perfecting Your Garlic Sauté

Sautéing garlic is one of the key steps to achieving the deep, rich flavor in this pasta. It’s essential to keep an eye on the garlic while it cooks; you want it to become fragrant and turn a light golden color. If you overcook it, garlic can become bitter, which will negatively affect the overall flavor of your dish. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring even cooking and preventing any burnt bits.

For an added dimension of flavor, consider infusing your olive oil with herbs before using it in this recipe. Simply heat the oil on low with a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary for about 5-10 minutes. Once the oil is fragrant, remove the herbs and proceed with the recipe as directed. This will elevate the garlic notes and create a beautifully aromatic base for your pasta.

Customizing Your Pasta Dish

One of the best things about this garlic pasta is its versatility. Feel free to add ingredients that suit your taste. For a protein boost, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be tossed in during the last minute of cooking time. This will make your dish more hearty without compromising the original garlic flavor you love.

Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini can also seamlessly integrate into this dish. Add them to the skillet after sautéing the garlic, allowing them to cook down slightly before mixing in the pasta. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a pop of color and texture, making your meal more visually appealing.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

200g spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
50ml olive oil
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic. Toss to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Serve with Garnish

Remove from heat, season with salt to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your pasta!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. This will add a nice heat to the dish without overpowering the flavors!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta and garlic mixture, but hold off on combining them until you’re ready to serve. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat both components in a skillet over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

For longer storage, consider freezing the sautéed garlic oil mixture. It can be frozen in ice cube trays and stored in freezer bags. When needed, pop out a cube and add it directly to your hot pasta for instant flavor. Just be aware that garlic may lose some of its fresh flavor once frozen.

Scaling the Recipe

If you need to scale this recipe for a larger gathering, simply double or triple the quantities of each ingredient. Just make sure to use a larger pot to cook your pasta and a bigger skillet for sautéing the garlic. Keep the cooking time similar, but ensure you still reserve enough pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency, as larger quantities may require adjustments.

When cooking for a crowd, consider setting up a garlic pasta station where guests can customize their dishes with varying ingredients or toppings like grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh lemon juice. This adds a fun interactive element and allows everyone to tailor their meal to their liking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute spaghetti with any pasta type you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be great additions for a more filling meal.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!