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 linguine; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love whipping up this Quick & Easy 15-Minute Garlic Pasta when I’m in the mood for something delicious yet uncomplicated. The combination of garlic and olive oil creates a fragrant base that infuses the pasta with a rich flavor. This dish has saved me countless times on busy days when I want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever veggies or proteins I have on hand. You’ll find yourself repeating this simple recipe over and over again!

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:05:34.403Z

When I first tried making this garlic pasta, I was amazed at how just a few simple ingredients could create such a delightful dish. My secret lies in using freshly minced garlic and good quality olive oil, which together elevate the sauce to a whole new level. Pairing it with al dente pasta allows the flavors to cling beautifully.

One time, I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, and it really transformed the dish! It's a fantastic way to keep things interesting without complicating a straightforward recipe.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes
Rich garlic aroma that fills the kitchen
Versatile—customize with your favorite ingredients

      

Mastering the Garlic Flavor

The secret to truly flavorful garlic pasta lies in how you prepare the garlic. It's essential to sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for just 1-2 minutes. You’re aiming for a fragrant aroma without browning the garlic, which can turn it bitter. Stir it frequently, and you'll notice the garlic becoming aromatic; that's when you know it’s time to add the pasta. This technique ensures that the garlic infuses the oil beautifully without overpowering the dish.

If you want to enhance the garlic flavor even further, consider smashing the garlic cloves slightly before mincing them. This method releases more of the garlic's essential oils, leading to a bolder flavor. You can also use roasted garlic, which lends a sweet, caramelized quality to the dish, perfect for anyone who loves a deeper garlic taste.

Customizing Your Pasta

One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on the ingredients you have at home. For a boost of nutrition, consider adding veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini during the last couple of minutes of cooking the pasta. This ensures the vegetables remain vibrant and slightly crisp, adding both texture and fresh flavor to your dish.

If you're looking to increase the protein content, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can make excellent additions. Cook them separately and toss them in with the pasta just before serving for a hearty, balanced meal. Just be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when adding proteins – you want to maintain that glossy finish in the sauce.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Pasta

200g spaghetti or linguine

Sauce

4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Mix and match ingredients based on your preference!

Instructions

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of 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 pasta.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Stir in red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Your quick meal is ready to impress!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, for extra color and nutrients.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, garlic pasta stores surprisingly well. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to a skillet over low heat, and stir gently until warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Alternatively, you can freeze the garlic pasta, although it's best without any added veggies or proteins, which may not freeze as well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so scaling it up for a larger gathering is straightforward. Simply multiply the quantities while keeping the same cooking times. Remember to use a larger pot for boiling the pasta and a bigger skillet for the sauce to ensure everything heats evenly.

If making a smaller portion, you can easily halve the recipe. However, don't forget that certain ingredients, like garlic and olive oil, can still be used in smaller amounts without losing flavor balance. Just adjust to your taste, ensuring you get the rich, garlicky goodness you crave in every bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you enjoy will work well in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.

→ Can I prepare this pasta in advance?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

→ What should I serve with this garlic pasta?

A simple salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly for a complete meal.