Pasta with Olive Oil and Herbs
A classic Mediterranean side dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a simple yet flavorful sauce of garlic-infused olive oil and fresh parsley. Ready in minutes, it's the perfect companion to grilled fish or chicken.
For 4 servings
Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add 1 tbsp of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta well.
Make the garlic and oil sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced garlic and red chili flakes to the oil.
- Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it burn or it will become bitter.
Combine the pasta and sauce
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic oil.
- Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together vigorously for about 1 minute. The starchy water will help the oil cling to the pasta, creating a light sauce.
Finish and serve
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- Toss one last time and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil as it's the main flavor of the dish.
- 2Do not overcook the garlic. It should be pale golden, not brown, to avoid a bitter taste.
- 3Salting the pasta water generously is crucial for flavoring the pasta from the inside out.
- 4The reserved starchy pasta water is the secret ingredient that emulsifies with the oil to create a silky sauce.
- 5Toss the pasta with the sauce in the pan, not in a bowl, to ensure it's well-coated and warm.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
For a main course, add grilled shrimp, flaked canned tuna, or a cup of cooked chickpeas when you toss the pasta with the sauce.
gluten freeGluten free
Simply substitute the spaghetti with your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package instructions.
healthyHealthy
Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You can also add steamed broccoli florets or spinach in the last minute of tossing.
quickQuick
For an even faster version, use fresh pasta which cooks in just 2-3 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are known to support cardiovascular health.
Source of Energy
Pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of fuel for sustained energy.
Contains Allicin
Garlic contains allicin, a compound that has been studied for its potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in moderation, this dish can be quite healthy. It uses heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and gets flavor from garlic and herbs instead of heavy creams or cheeses.
