There’s something magical about the simplicity of authentic Italian pasta, and few dishes embody this better than olive oil pasta. This classic dish combines minimal ingredients with maximum flavor, ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a satisfying quick meal any time of day.

⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes 🍳 Cook Time: 12 minutes 🍽 Servings: 4 people

Main Ingredients:

• 500g (1 lb) spaghetti
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

For Garnish (Optional):

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra olive oil for drizzling

Preparation Steps:

1. Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, remember to reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water – this is crucial for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
2. Preparing the Olive Oil Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and just turning golden (be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter). Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste.
3. Combining the Ingredients: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the olive oil sauce. Toss in half of the chopped parsley and stir well to combine. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency. The starchy water helps create a light, silky sauce that perfectly coats each strand of pasta.
4. Seasoning and Serving: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the remaining parsley, fresh basil leaves, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of richness, drizzle with additional olive oil just before serving.

Essential Tips for Success:

• Use the highest quality extra virgin olive oil you can find – it’s the star ingredient
• Watch the garlic carefully to prevent burning
• Don’t skip reserving the pasta water – it’s essential for the perfect sauce
• Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture
• Season the pasta water generously – it should taste like sea water

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 380mg

Variations and Substitutions:

• Pasta Choice: Any long pasta works well – try linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini
• Vegan Option: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
• Added Vegetables: Roast cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or other vegetables to add more nutrients
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn

Expert Tips:

1. Temperature Control Keep the heat medium-low when cooking the garlic. This allows the garlic to infuse the oil without burning, creating a more flavorful base for your sauce.
2. Pasta Cooking Cook the pasta just until al dente – it should have a slight bite. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the hot oil sauce.
3. Creating the Perfect Sauce The magic happens when you combine the pasta with the olive oil sauce. The reserved pasta water contains essential starches that help create an emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
4. Oil Quality Since olive oil is the primary flavoring, use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can find. Look for oils with a harvest date and darker bottles that protect from light exposure.

Storage and Reheating: While best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan with a splash of olive oil or pasta water to revive the sauce.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Classic Tomato Sauce Pasta
• Creamy Alfredo Pasta
• Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta
• Traditional Aglio e Olio

About the Author: Our blog specializes in authentic, easy-to-follow recipes inspired by global cuisines. Each recipe is thoroughly tested and comes with detailed instructions to ensure your success in the kitchen.

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