Name: Garlic 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 tsp salt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp Italian parsley, chopped; 2 Tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup reserved pasta water

If you love simple, bold flavors that come together in a flash, you’re going to adore this Garlic Oil Spaghetti Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish transforms just a handful of everyday ingredients into something so satisfying and comforting. When I first tried making this classic Italian pasta, I was amazed at how the garlic-infused olive oil coats every strand of spaghetti with deliciousness. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to help your Garlic Oil Spaghetti come out perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Bold Garlic Flavor: Using a whole bulb of garlic thinly sliced really elevates the taste in the best way.
Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples create an irresistible, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize heat level and add extras to suit your mood and taste buds.

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 Oil Spaghetti, garlic pasta recipe, quick Italian pasta, easy garlic spaghetti, flavorful garlic pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Garlic Oil Spaghetti Recipe are straightforward but powerful when combined. I always recommend using the best quality olive oil you can find because it really shines through here. Also, fresh garlic sliced thin lets the flavor infuse gently without overpowering the pasta.

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 Oil Spaghetti, garlic pasta recipe, quick Italian pasta, easy garlic spaghetti, flavorful garlic pasta

Spaghetti: I prefer classic long spaghetti; it holds the garlicky oil beautifully.
Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for seasoning pasta water and flavor balance.
Garlic bulb: About 20 cloves, peeled and sliced thin—this is the heart of the dish.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds depth and subtle warmth to the garlic oil.
Cracked red pepper flakes: Gives just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best here for richness and aroma.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and complements the oil perfectly.
Italian parsley: Fresh parsley brings a bright, fresh note to the dish.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens and balances the rich garlic oil.
Pasta water: Reserved water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.

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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

I love how this Garlic Oil Spaghetti Recipe is a great starting point for your own spins. You can easily customize it depending on what you’re craving or have on hand. Feel free to experiment and find your family’s new favorite way to enjoy this classic.

Add protein: I’ve tossed in sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for a more substantial meal, and it works beautifully.
Butter swap: Sometimes I replace half the olive oil with butter for a richer, silkier sauce—so decadent!
Herbs: Basil or oregano can give a different herbal twist if parsley isn’t your thing.
Heat level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste—my family likes it medium spice, but I keep some on the side for guests who want more kick.

How to Make Garlic Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta to Perfection

Start by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add about ½ teaspoon of salt—this seasons the pasta from the inside out. When you add the spaghetti, stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick. Cook until just al dente, usually about 10 minutes depending on your pasta brand. I like to test it a minute before the package instructions, just to catch that perfect bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic-Infused Olive Oil

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large saucepan. Add your thinly sliced garlic, cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. This step is crucial, so keep the heat low to gently coax out the garlic’s flavor without burning it. It usually takes about 2 minutes—you’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma and the garlic turns golden but not brown.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Garlic Oil

Once your pasta is cooked, reserve about ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Toss the hot spaghetti into the saucepan with the garlic oil. This is where the magic happens—you want to coat every strand evenly. Add grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and just a splash of the pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Toss everything quickly and thoroughly. If the sauce feels a bit thick, add a little more pasta water until you get that silky, saucy texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Slice Garlic Thinly: Thin slices ensure it infuses beautifully into the oil without burning or becoming bitter.
Low and Slow Heat: Keep your oil over medium-low heat when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness and harshness.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold for creating a smooth, silky sauce that sticks to your noodles.
Add Cheese Off Heat: Toss in Parmesan once off the heat to keep it creamy and prevent it from clumping.

How to Serve Garlic Oil Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness. If you want a little brightness, a zest of lemon on top never hurts! For an extra special touch, crack some fresh black pepper over the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is light but flavorful, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is a classic side that my whole family goes crazy for alongside the spaghetti.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to twirl the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color. Serving it in shallow bowls rather than plates helps keep the sauce and garnishes together—presentation really makes the dish feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover garlic oil spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tends to absorb the oil, so I recommend adding a splash of warm water and reheating gently to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

Honestly, I’ve found that freezing this dish isn’t ideal because it can lose the fresh garlic flavor and the texture of the pasta changes when thawed. I usually save it for quick fridge meals instead.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a little added olive oil or reserved pasta water to prevent dryness. I avoid microwaving as it can make the garlic harsh and the pasta gummy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Garlic Oil Spaghetti Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and works perfectly due to its shape, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just keep in mind that thinner pastas soak up the garlicky oil differently, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Burnt garlic turns bitter, which can ruin the dish. The key is to cook the garlic slowly over medium-low heat and watch it closely. As soon as it starts to turn a light golden color and smells fragrant, it’s time to add the pasta and remove the pan from the heat if needed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or swap it for a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The garlic oil base still delivers plenty of flavor, so it’s just as delicious.
What’s the purpose of adding pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch from the boiled noodles, which helps emulsify the garlic oil and cheese into a creamy sauce that clings to your spaghetti. It also helps loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Oil Spaghetti Recipe is close to my heart because it reminds me that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking. It’s a perfect example of how a few simple, quality ingredients can create magic on your plate. I can’t recommend it enough for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back gathering. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the irresistible garlic aroma and the rich, satisfying taste that’s become a go-to in my kitchen and hopefully in yours too!