If you are looking for a quick pasta dinner that is packed with flavor but requires very little prep, this Garlic Herb Olive Oil Pasta may become one of your new favorites. Warm pasta is tossed with fragrant Garlic Olive Oil, Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and just a touch of crushed red pepper for a simple meal that tastes anything but ordinary.
This is the kind of recipe we love at The Little Shop of Olive Oils: uncomplicated ingredients, wonderful flavor, and a good olive oil doing most of the work.
Why Garlic Olive Oil Is Perfect for Pasta
Olive oil and pasta are natural partners. Using a flavored olive oil, such as our Garlic Olive Oil, makes it especially easy to create a flavorful sauce without needing a long list of ingredients.
The warmth of freshly cooked pasta releases the aroma of the garlic while the olive oil coats every piece. A little reserved pasta water helps the oil and cheese come together into a light, silky sauce.
Unlike a heavy cream or tomato sauce, an olive oil pasta allows the flavor of the herbs, Parmesan, garlic, and pasta itself to shine through.
A Quick Pasta Dinner for Busy Nights
One of the best things about this easy garlic pasta recipe is how quickly it comes together. You can have dinner on the table in approximately 20 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights, last-minute meals, or those evenings when you simply do not feel like cooking something complicated.
Most of the ingredients are pantry staples:
- Pasta
- Garlic Olive Oil
- Italian herbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Add a salad and some warm crusty bread and dinner is served.
What Pasta Works Best With Garlic Olive Oil?
You can make this recipe with almost any pasta you have on hand. Short pasta shapes with ridges, curves, and crevices are especially good because they catch the olive oil, herbs, and cheese.
Try:
- Orecchiette
- Shells
- Rigatoni
- Penne
- Fusilli
- Cavatappi
Spaghetti, linguine, and angel hair also work beautifully if you prefer long pasta.
Don't Forget the Pasta Water
Before draining your pasta, scoop out about one cup of the cooking water. You may only need a few tablespoons, but this simple step can make a big difference.
The starch in the pasta water helps the Garlic Olive Oil cling to the pasta and creates a light sauce rather than leaving oil sitting at the bottom of the bowl.
How to Make Garlic Herb Olive Oil Pasta
Cook your pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve some of the pasta cooking water.
Return the hot pasta to the pot and immediately add Garlic Olive Oil, dried herbs, Parmesan, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together while the pasta is still hot, adding a small amount of reserved pasta water until the pasta becomes glossy and evenly coated.
Finish with another drizzle of Garlic Olive Oil and freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
Easy Ways to Make This Pasta Your Own
This recipe also makes a wonderful starting point for using ingredients already in your refrigerator. Try adding:
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Sautéed shrimp
- Roasted cherry tomatoes
- Fresh spinach
- Broccoli
- Roasted mushrooms
- Artichoke hearts
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Try a Splash of Balsamic
For an unexpected finishing touch, add just a small drizzle of balsamic vinegar before serving. A bright white balsamic can bring a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances the richness of the olive oil and Parmesan.
Depending on the additions you choose, Lemon, Oregano, or Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic would make wonderful pairings.
Serve It With Crusty Bread
Garlic Herb Olive Oil Pasta practically begs for a slice of warm, crusty bread. Drizzle the bread with a little Garlic Olive Oil or prepare a simple dipping dish with olive oil, herbs, Parmesan, and freshly cracked pepper.
Add a crisp green salad and you have an easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner with very little work.
Simple Ingredients Really Can Make the Best Meals
You do not always need an elaborate sauce to make memorable pasta. Good pasta, flavorful olive oil, herbs, Parmesan, and a few seasonings can come together in minutes.
Our Garlic Herb Olive Oil Pasta is warm, comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to customize. Keep the ingredients on hand and you will always have an answer to the question, "What's for dinner?"
Stop by The Little Shop of Olive Oils in Franklin, Massachusetts to taste our olive oils and balsamic vinegars and discover even more delicious combinations for your next pasta night.
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