A simple pasta recipe with cooked spaghetti is tossed with garlic and red pepper flakes that have been sauteed in olive oil makes a delicious side dish to any of your favorite proteins, .

Featured image for Pasta with Olive oil and Garlic.

A side dish recipe worthy of any Italian kitchen, Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil is a simple recipe with the aroma of garlic fried in olive oil and a touch of red chili pepper flakes.

This is a simple homemade pasta dish that is budget friendly and satisfying. Easy to make on those nights when you need a last minute dish to go with your main protein.

A forkful of pasta cooked and tossed with garlic and olive oil and flecks of red pepper flakes.

Jump to:

❤️ Why you'll love it
🥘 Ingredients
🔪 Instructions
🥄 Equipment
🥫Storage
📖 Variations
💭 Tips
📚 Related Recipes
🍽 Serve with…
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love it

✔️ The garlic olive oil is a fragrant dish bursting with flavors and just a touch of heat.
✔️ It is an easy pasta recipe without red sauce, putting variety into your pasta recipes.
✔️ It can easily become a main dish by adding cooked chicken or shrimp along with some fresh spinach and tomatoes!

🥘 Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic cloves
Crushed red pepper flakes
Bow tie pasta
Fresh parsley leaves
Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Olive oil and whole garlic bulbs on a wooden cutting board.

🔪 Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta until it is al dente.
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the oil, garlic, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and bring the garlic to a sizzle. Shaking the skillet occasionally, cooking for 3 minutes, until the garlic just until it turns golden. Turn off the heat if the pasta is still cooking.
When the pasta is done, drain it, reserving a bit of the pasta water. Reheat the garlic and oil mixture briefly if necessary.
Dress the pasta with the olive oil garlic sauce, adding a little more oil or some of the cooking water if it seems dry. Adjust the seasoning if needed, then toss with parsley and sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese. (if using)

🥄 Equipment

Large pot
Strainer
Tongs

Cooked spaghetti noodles being removed from the pot.

🥫Storage

Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

📖 Variations

Use your favorite pasta, spaghetti or linguini works great in this recipe also
Toss the pasta with garlic and oil and broccoli.
Substitute browned butter for the olive oil.
Stir a tablespoon of butter into the sauce for a creamy olive oil pasta sauce.
Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for pasta with olive oil and tomatoes.

💭 Tips

Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil as this is being used as part of the sauce.

If your looking for a protein packed meal, try these Chicken Tenders in Garlic Tomato Sauce.

Seafood is the star of this Peppery Shrimp Linguine.

Shrimp with Spinach and Pasta is a healthier version made with low carb pasta.

If creamy pasta is what you crave, try this Creamy Chicken Linguine.

For a spicy treat, try this Shrimp Fra Diavolo.

🍽 Serve with…

This recipe serves 8 as a side dish, but can be served as a main dish for 4 people by adding 1 pound of your preferred cooked protein. Shrimp, chicken, scallops are excellent additions

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!

If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating

📖 Recipe