Pasta with Olive Oil and Herbs
A simple, rustic pasta dish that lets good olive oil and fresh herbs shine. Thin spaghetti is tossed with garlic-infused oil, bright lemon zest, and a generous shower of mixed herbs. It comes together in under 20 minutes and tastes like a weeknight trip to the Italian countryside.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~8 min
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Fill a large pot with 3 liters of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
TIPSalt the water generously — it's the only chance to season the pasta itself. - boil · ~9 min
Cook the spaghetti until al dente.
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- saute · ~3 min
Gently infuse the olive oil with garlic and chili flakes.
While the pasta cooks, set a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and sliced garlic. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and just turning pale gold at the edges, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chili flakes and remove from heat.
TIPKeep the heat low — garlic turns bitter if it browns too fast. - mix · ~2 min
Toss the pasta with the garlic oil and herbs.
Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic oil. Pour in the lemon juice, add the lemon zest, parsley, and basil. Toss everything together with tongs, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, glossy sauce that coats every strand.
TIPThe starchy pasta water is the secret to a silky, emulsified sauce — don't skip it. - garnish
Finish with black pepper and serve immediately.
Divide the pasta among bowls. Add a pinch of salt and a generous crack of black pepper over each serving. Drizzle with a little more raw olive oil if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining — the starch helps emulsify the oil into a silky sauce.
- 2Slice garlic thinly rather than mincing so it perfumes the oil without burning.
- 3Cook the garlic on medium-low heat and remove the pan from the burner as soon as the edges turn pale gold.
- 4Toss the pasta with the garlic oil in the skillet off the heat to avoid overcooking the fresh herbs.
- 5For the best texture, cook the spaghetti 1 minute less than the package suggests and finish it in the skillet.
- 6Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water in a skillet.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Top the finished pasta with grilled or pan-seared shrimp, white beans, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a more substantial meal that still lets the olive oil and herbs shine.
veganVegan
This recipe is already vegan as written — just ensure your pasta contains no eggs (most dried spaghetti is vegan). For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast with the pasta water.
nutty crunchNutty-crunch
Add ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts or roughly chopped walnuts along with the fresh herbs for a nutty crunch that contrasts the tender pasta.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce the olive oil to 1½ tablespoons and make up the moisture with extra pasta water and a splash of vegetable broth for a lighter, less oily version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra-virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the herbs.
Rich in Antioxidants
Fresh parsley and basil contribute flavonoids and polyphenols that help fight oxidative stress.
Low in Saturated Fat
This dish contains no butter, cream, or cheese, making it naturally low in saturated fat compared to many creamy pasta recipes.
Good Source of Vitamin C
Lemon zest and juice add a boost of vitamin C to support immune function.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh herbs are strongly recommended for their bright flavor and texture. If dried is all you have, use 1 teaspoon total of dried parsley and basil, added to the garlic oil in step 3.
