Name: Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti; 1 tsp salt; 1 bulb garlic (about 20 cloves, peeled and sliced thin); ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; ½ tsp cracked red pepper flakes; ½ cup olive oil; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp Italian parsley, chopped; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 64 reviews

If you’re craving a simple yet insanely flavorful pasta dish, you’re going to adore this Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe. I absolutely love how this classic Italian staple comes together with just a handful of pantry ingredients, and it’s surprisingly easy to make any night of the week. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how such simple flavors—garlic, olive oil, and a touch of heat—could transform into a comforting, fancy-feeling meal. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through my favorite tips to make this perfectly garlicky, silky spaghetti that you—and your family—will keep coming back for.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: Just a few ingredients combine for big, bold flavor you’ll whip up in under 20 minutes.
Versatile Comfort Food: Acts as a perfect quick dinner or a tasty base for your favorite protein or veggies.
Impressively Authentic: This recipe honors traditional Italian techniques I’ve learned from family and friends.
Perfectly Balanced: The garlic-infused olive oil, bright lemon, and a hint of pepper create just the right kick and richness.

A white pan filled with a single layer of thin spaghetti pasta cooked and mixed with small bits of white garlic and red chili flakes spread throughout. Fresh green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The pan rests on a white marbled surface next to a blue and white striped cloth, with fresh parsley and some shredded cheese partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti, easy garlic pasta, simple Italian pasta, quick spaghetti dinner, flavorful garlic olive oil pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe, using fresh, quality ingredients is key—I always choose a good extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic to get that deep, vibrant flavor. Here are the essentials that come together beautifully.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked spaghetti strands neatly arranged, a whole bulb of garlic with some cloves peeled and thinly sliced, a few whole black peppercorns and some crushed red pepper flakes scattered gently, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with finely grated Parmesan cheese, a few fresh sprigs of vibrant Italian parsley, a small white bowl containing freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white bowl with clear pasta water, and a small pile of coarse sea salt crystals all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti, easy garlic pasta, simple Italian pasta, quick spaghetti dinner, flavorful garlic olive oil pasta

Spaghetti: Go for classic, long pasta that holds the sauce well—don’t skip al dente for the perfect bite.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce—don’t be shy, it really boosts flavor.
Garlic: I use a full bulb thinly sliced; it creates that intoxicating aroma without overpowering.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity—grind it fresh for best taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: These bring that signature subtle kick to the dish; you control how spicy it gets.
Olive Oil: Half a cup of good-quality olive oil is what makes this recipe silky and flavorful.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds the perfect salty, nutty touch that melts right into the pasta.
Italian Parsley: Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh herbaceous note.
Lemon Juice: A splash cuts the richness and wakes up the flavors with citrusy freshness.
Pasta Water: The secret ingredient! A little reserved starchy water helps marry the sauce and pasta perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe is my go-to, but it’s also a fantastic canvas you can tweak to your liking. I’ve played around with it plenty to suit different moods and audiences, and each tweak brings its own magic.

Add Protein: Sometimes I toss in grilled shrimp or sliced chicken breast to turn it into a hearty meal my family goes crazy for.
Vegetarian Kick: Roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms make a lovely addition if you want extra texture and sweetness.
Spicy Heat: If you’re a heat lover like me, double the crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili oil for an extra punch.
Herb Swaps: Try fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley for a slightly different herb flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, and it still turns out deliciously.

How to Make Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Bring water to a boil and cook spaghetti al dente

Start by setting a large pot of water to boil—salted generously, about ½ teaspoon will do. This is crucial because proper seasoning starts from the water. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to package directions until just al dente, usually around 10 minutes. I always keep an eye on the clock and taste it early to avoid mushiness. Before draining, be sure to scoop out about ¼ cup of pasta water and set it aside—it’s pure gold for your sauce.

Step 2: Infuse olive oil with sliced garlic and spices

While the pasta cooks, heat ½ cup of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic along with ½ teaspoon salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. The key here is to keep the heat gentle to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter. You’re aiming for golden and fragrant garlic—this usually takes about 2 minutes. I discovered that stirring frequently keeps things even and prevents hot spots.

Step 3: Combine pasta, garlic oil, and finishing touches

Once your garlic oil smells amazing and your spaghetti is drained, toss the pasta straight into the saucepan with the infused oil. Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss thoroughly so every strand is coated in that savory, garlicky goodness. Then, sprinkle in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, a tablespoon of chopped Italian parsley, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Don’t forget to add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen things—this helps the cheese melt and creates a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. You can add a bit more pasta water as needed if you want it a bit saucier.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Thin Garlic Slices: I learned that slicing garlic thin—not mincing—lets it infuse the oil evenly without burning.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is liquid gold. It helps emulsify the sauce and prevents it from drying out.
Control Heat Carefully: Keep the oil at medium-low and watch closely—the garlic color changes quickly.
Season the Water Well: Adding salt to the boiling water ensures your pasta isn’t bland from the start.

How to Serve Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and some more fresh parsley for color and brightness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon on top at the table for a pop of freshness that wakes up the whole dish. A few toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil can also upgrade it for guests.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. When I want to keep it simple, I just make some garlic bread or warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that garlicky oil.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I twirl the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs. Serving it family-style in a large rustic bowl sprinkled with extra cheese creates that warm, inviting vibe that makes dinner feel more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from drying out, I add a tiny drizzle of olive oil on top before closing the lid.

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta, I’ve found the texture changes a bit after thawing, especially the garlic oil sauce. If you do freeze it, pop it into an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, tossing with a splash of pasta water or olive oil to loosen up the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps distribute the oil and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and holds the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?

Burning garlic is one of the easiest mistakes here. Keep the heat on medium-low and stir frequently. Once the garlic starts turning a light golden color and becomes fragrant (usually around 2 minutes), it’s time to add the pasta or remove from heat if you’re waiting.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor and texture in this recipe, but if you have to, garlic powder can be used as a last resort. Just sprinkle it in gently with the oil and spices, keeping in mind the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or swap it out for a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy, savory note.
How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust the amount to make it milder or hotter based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Garlic Olive Oil Spaghetti Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day yet elegant enough to serve when you want to impress with minimal fuss. I’ve shared this with countless friends, and everyone asks for seconds because it’s just that good. So, next time you want a fast, flavorful meal that’s pure comfort in every bite, give this a try. I’m rooting for you to nail it and enjoy every single forkful!