By Tiffany Williams –
Some of the best meals are also the simplest. Pasta with garlic and oil—known in Italy as Aglio e Olio—is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something satisfying. With a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes, you can prepare a flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, late-night meals, or anytime you want comfort without the hassle.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. The garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden in olive oil, coating every strand of pasta with rich flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese adds freshness and a savory finish, while crushed red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of heat if you enjoy a little spice.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Reserved pasta water
Directions
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining the pasta, reserve about one cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook slowly, stirring frequently, until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can quickly become bitter.
If you’re using crushed red pepper flakes, stir them into the garlic and oil for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated with the garlic-infused oil. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to help create a light, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together until well combined. If the pasta seems dry, add another splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Optional Add-Ins
This simple pasta can easily become a complete meal by adding:
- Grilled chicken
- Sautéed shrimp
- Italian sausage
- Sliced mushrooms
- Spinach
- Roasted broccoli
- Cherry tomatoes
- Crispy bacon
- Lemon zest for extra brightness
Cooking With Tiffany Tip
The secret to exceptional garlic and oil pasta is patience. Cook the garlic over medium-low heat instead of rushing the process. Slowly infusing the olive oil with garlic creates a smooth, rich flavor that forms the heart of the dish. Saving some of the starchy pasta water is just as important—it helps the oil, cheese, and seasonings come together into a light sauce that coats every bite.
Final Thoughts
Fast Pasta With Garlic and Oil is a reminder that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few fresh ingredients and one skillet, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in less than half an hour.
Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or use it as the foundation for your favorite proteins and vegetables, this timeless recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that become lifelong favorites.