Introduction
This simple and flavorful Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. Made with spaghetti or linguine, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and optional ground meat, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal. It’s packed with fresh flavors, with a touch of heat and customizable toppings like Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Heat over medium heat and add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic-tomato-meat mixture. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variation
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground meat and load the dish with fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté them in olive oil alongside the garlic for added flavor and texture.
- Seafood Twist: Replace the ground meat with cooked shrimp or scallops for a luxurious seafood version. Add them during the last step to keep them tender and flavorful.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap traditional pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to suit dietary preferences or add more fiber to the dish.
Cooking Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground meat and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Use fresh tomatoes for a lighter taste, or canned for a richer sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Green Salad: Serve the pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The refreshing flavors balance the richness of the dish beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Pair the pasta with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s a comforting addition to round out the meal.
- Wine Pairing: For an elegant touch, serve the dish with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red such as Pinot Noir to complement the garlic and olive oil.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The olive oil is the star of this dish, so opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It enhances the garlic and ties the dish together beautifully.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: To make cooking seamless, have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This ensures you can focus on the cooking process without rushing.
- Season Gradually: Season each layer of the dish as you cook (meat, garlic, tomatoes, and pasta). This builds depth and ensures the flavors are well-balanced in the final dish.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with various pasta shapes such as penne, fettuccine, or even short pasta like rigatoni. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type for best results. - What can I substitute for olive oil?
While olive oil is ideal for this dish due to its flavor, you can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil as alternatives. Keep in mind, though, that these oils will slightly alter the flavor profile. - How do I make the dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also drizzle in a spicy chili oil for an extra kick. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best flavor, cook the pasta and sauce fresh. If making ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat before serving. Add a splash of pasta water to revive the consistency.
Conclusion
Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking. With its versatility and quick preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. Whether you keep it classic or customize it with variations, this recipe promises to deliver a satisfying and delicious meal every time. Try it today and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
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Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This simple and flavorful Pasta with Olive Oil and Garlic is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. Made with spaghetti or linguine, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and optional ground meat, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal. It’s packed with fresh flavors, with a touch of heat and customizable toppings like Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Heat over medium heat and add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Return the cooked ground meat to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic-tomato-meat mixture. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground meat and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Use fresh tomatoes for a lighter taste, or canned for a richer sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg