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Easy Garlic Spaghetti Recipe That Will Become Your Weeknight Favorite - Featured Image

Easy Garlic Spaghetti Recipe That Will Become Your Weeknight Favorite

Learn how to make delicious Easy Garlic Spaghetti. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh garlic, good-quality olive oil, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Growing up, my mom always emphasized the importance of simplicity and quality, and I carry that lesson into my kitchen today. Using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced makes a world of difference, as does choosing a sturdy pasta that holds the sauce well.

  • 12 ounces spaghetti (I prefer semolina-based for texture)
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional for freshness)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

If you’re avoiding gluten, feel free to swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. And if you want a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté gently, stirring often, until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not browned—about 2-3 minutes. Be careful here; burnt garlic can turn bitter.
  3. Add the drained spaghetti straight into the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
  4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like, squeeze in the lemon juice for a fresh burst of flavor.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

One tip I’ve learned from years of cooking with my kids—let them help with tossing the pasta. It makes dinner prep feel like a fun family activity rather than a chore.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Easy Garlic Spaghetti, recipe, cooking, food