Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic

5 from 37 votes

Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic

Pasta with olive oil and garlic is a simple yet elegant pasta dish that uses simple pantry ingredients to make. And the best part is this simple Classic Italian pasta dish can be on your dinner table in 10 - 12 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time11

Total Time16

Course: Entree, pasta course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian, Italian - American

Servings:

Calories: 696kcal

Author: Chef Dennis Littley

Ingredients

1 lb linguine or pasta shape of your choice
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoon garlic cloves finely chopped - more or less to taste
3 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes more or less to taste
¼ cup romano cheese grated (or parmesan cheese)
1 teaspoon salt to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper to taste
½ cup pasta water from cooked pasta

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water (salted) to the boil and add the linguine (or pasta shape of your choice) Cook the pasta per package instructions for al dente.
While the pasta cooks, start making the olive oil pasta sauce.
When you drain the linguine, make sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water
Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat.
When the oil is hot add the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
*Don't let the garlic turn brown or burn, it should be a pale golden color.
Add two tablespoons of the chopped parsley to the pan and continue to cook for 30-60 seconds.
Set the pan aside until the linguine is cooked.
Add the cooked pasta to the frying pan, and mix using tongs, coating the pasta with the garlic oil mixture.
Add the pasta water to the linguine, using as much as you feel necessary to get the desired consistency. The starchy pasta water will add flavor and combine with the oil to make a silky smooth garlic sauce
Add the remaining parsley, black pepper, and salt to the linguine, seasoning to taste.
Toss the pasta and heat for one minute over medium high heat or until the pasta and sauce is hot
Serve the pasta with grated cheese, crushed red pepper, and additional olive oil for drizzling over the pasta.
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a frying pan over medium heat, adding additional olive oil or water to the pan.

Notes

What type of pasta works best with olive and garlic sauce?

You can use any type of pasta you prefer, spaghetti, linguine, bucatini, penne, and angel hair are good choices. For the best results choose a shape that holds the sauce well.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also add anchovies or capers for a briny taste.
You can add your favorite vegetable or protein to make this dish more filling. Just make sure to increase the amount of sauce ingredients.

Nutrition