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