Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Pasta

15 Minute Garlic Spaghetti (aglio e olio)

Updated: Oct 15, 2024 · Published: Jul 17, 2017 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 42 Comments

1388 shares
  • 854
Diet: Vegan
Jump to Recipe
Garlic Spaghetti with a text title overlay.
15 Minute Garlic Spaghetti with a text title overlay.

Sometimes it's the simplest dishes, with the least ingredients, that are the best and that certainly goes for this 15 Minute Garlic Spaghetti - also known as aglio e olio. Spaghetti mixed with good quality olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs and plenty of garlic - it is THAT simple. Quick to make and it's also budget friendly too.

A white dish with a large pile of spaghetti topped with chopped herbs.

This is definitely one for the garlic lovers, as this has 2 garlic cloves per person. But at least you and the person having the second portion can be garlicky together!

When something has garlic in the title, I expect to be able to taste the garlic and there is no doubt about it with this dish. This is a simple pasta dish, but it has a serious amount of flavour. Light and fresh and a real crowd pleaser too.

This garlic spaghetti, also known as aglio e olio, is made with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen and it is easy to adapt to use up some fridge ingredients. It's perfect for the day before pay day, or nights when you don't want to put much thought into dinner. It's satisfying comfort food, with very little effort.

If you are looking for some more garlic packed recipes, then why not try our Easy Garlic Sauce, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Garlic Spring Greens, Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia or Homemade Garlic Crisps?

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love It
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • What to Serve with Garlic Spaghetti
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Pasta Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love It

  • Quick and easy - It takes just 15 minutes to make this garlic spaghetti and it's as easy as cooking the spaghetti, draining it and then mixing all the ingredients together.
  • Cheap - This is a budget friendly dish as it uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and it doesn't involve anything fancy. We call it our day before pay day dinner.
  • Vegan - This spaghetti dish is naturally vegan, but there is the option to add cheese if you prefer.
  • Adaptable - This basic recipe is pretty simple, but there are loads of options to adapt it and jazz it up a little. More on that below!

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe each with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Spaghetti - We used whole wheat spaghetti as we find it is more filling. However, you could use any spaghetti, or even linguine or tagliatelle. We wouldn't recommend using other pasta shapes, as spaghetti holds the olive oil sauce really well.
  • Olive oil - This is what makes up the majority of the sauce. Try to use the best quality olive oil that you can, as you really will be able to taste the difference. Extra virgin olive oil is what you want ideally. You could even use a garlic infused oil, or a chilli oil, if you wanted to add more flavour.
  • Garlic - This is the star of the dish. Usually we would suggest saving time by using frozen or ready crushed garlic, but fresh really is best here. Make sure it is really finely crushed, so it is almost a paste, so it ensures an even distribution in the spaghetti.
  • Lemon - This really lightens up the whole dish and adds some freshness. We used juice and zest to make it really lemony.
  • Salt and pepper - Season to taste.
  • Herbs - We used a mixture of basil and parsley, but this is a great way to use up leftover fresh herbs that you have in your fridge.
  • Pasta water - This is our "secret" ingredient in every pasta dish and something that every Italian uses in their cooking. Adding a little bit of the starchy pasta water makes the sauce really silky smooth and cling to the pasta. It also loosens the sauce up a little, helping it go further.

Variations

Pasta - This recipe works well with spaghetti because the sauce is made up of olive oil and lemon juice, so it clings well to thin pasta link spaghetti. Tagliatelle and fettuccine also work well. However, if you wanted to keep this budget friendly and just use what you have, then any pasta shapes will work.

Herbs - This is a great way to use whatever herbs you have. We think basil and parsley work best with the lemon and garlic. But, we have also used coriander, mint and chives before too.

Cheese - This is vegan as it is, however if you wanted to add some cheese, then you could stir some grated Parmesan cheese into it. Crumbled creamy goats cheese or feta are delicious too.

Protein - We don't think that this garlic spaghetti is lacking without meat, however if you wanted to give it a protein boost then you could add some leftover roast chicken. It's also really nice with leftovers from our honey and garlic salmon. If you wanted to add some vegetarian protein, then some chickpeas or butter beans work well.

Vegetables - If you want to give a green vegetable boost to this garlic spaghetti, then you could stir some spinach into the hot drained pasta and let that heat wilt it.

Extra - There really is so much that you can add to this pasta dish. We also like to add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, anchovy fillets or cooked chopped bacon. Maybe not all of it though, as it might be a bit overwhelming.

Some red pepper flakes sprinkled on top can add a nice kick of heat.

Step by Step Instructions

Spaghetti in a pan of water.
  1. Step 1: Add the spaghetti to a pan of boiling water.
Cooked spaghetti in a saucepan.
  1. Step 2: Simmer for 12 minutes.
Chopped herbs and oil added to the pan of spaghetti.
  1. Step 3: Drain the cooked pasta (reserving a little of the water) and then put it back in the pan and add the rest of the ingredients.
Cooked spaghetti with chopped herbs mixed into it.
  1. Step 4: Toss everything well and serve.

What to Serve with Garlic Spaghetti

Everyone knows that garlic bread and pasta are a match made in heaven. Carby heaven! Either buy some ready made, or make your own easy garlic bread by cutting up some French stick and spreading it with a mix of butter, crushed garlic and dried herbs. Then pop it in the oven for 10 minutes. Why not try our Cheesy Garlic Bread!

You could also keep it simple with a big green salad. The key to an epic green salad is to use a variety of greens, like romaine, spinach, kale and rocket. You want leafy greens, but crunch too. Then you need the perfect dressing. Why not try our Lemon Vinaigrette, Honey and Mustard Dressing or Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette. You could also try our Grilled Little Gem Salad.

If you want to add a big side of vegetables, then we recommend our Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli, Butted Leeks, Garlic Spring Greens or Roasted Lemon Asparagus.

Plates of cooked spaghetti topped with herbs.

Extra Tips

  • Don't forget to take some water out of the spaghetti pan before you drain it as this will make such a difference to your sauce. If you do forget, just boil some water in the kettle and add that.
  • If you like your food spicy, then add a sprinkle of red chilli flakes on top before serving.
  • Serve with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley and cracked black pepper if you like.
  • Cook your spaghetti until al dente, as you don't want it to get too mushy.
  • Make this a little more indulgent by melting some butter into the spaghetti.
Three plates of herbs mixed into cooked spaghetti.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to reserve pasta water?

Adding starchy pasta water (just 100ml is enough) to a fat like olive oil will create an emulsion and this gives a really silky smooth sauce and helps it cling to the pasta. Make sure you scoop out the water just before draining, as this ensures that it is nice and starchy.

How to store garlic spaghetti.

If you have leftovers, then you can store it in an air tight container in the fridge until the next day.

Can I freeze garlic spaghetti?

No, we wouldn't recommend freezing this because it has a strange texture once defrosted.

How to reheat garlic spaghetti.

You can reheat this in a frying pan on a low heat. Add a splash of water to the pan to loosen it up.

Is garlic spaghetti gluten free?

If you use your favourite gluten free pasta and make sure that there is no cross contamination, then this is a delicious gluten free meal.

What other pasta can you use?

We have used spaghetti, however this recipe can be used with any pasta and we have used penne, fusilli and macaroni (which kids love).

More Pasta Recipes

  • A pink plate full of tuna spaghetti.
    Tuna Spaghetti
  • Mushroom Carbonara topped with chopped herbs and Parmesan shavings.
    Mushroom Carbonara
  • Cajun Chicken Pasta on a round pink plate.
    Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • Nine photo collage of healthy pasta dishes
    Healthy Pasta Recipes

If you’ve tried this spaghetti with garlic and oil, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

15 minute garlic spaghetti in a white bowl.

15 Minute Garlic and Herb Spaghetti

By: Dannii Martin
Sometimes it's the simplest dishes, with the least ingredients, that are the favourites and that certainly goes for this 15 Minute Garlic and Herb Spaghetti.
An illustration of a v-shaped plant in a pot.
Vegan
5 from 31 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Prep: 3 minutes mins
Cook: 12 minutes mins
Total: 15 minutes mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 422kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of two ears of wheat.
Gluten

Ingredients

  • 140 g (5 oz) Spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 Lemon - (juice only)
  • 1 pinch Sea salt
  • 1 pinch Ground black pepper
  • 4 Garlic clove - crushed
  • 40 g (0.66 cups) Fresh basil - finely chopped
  • 40 g (0.66 cups) Fresh parsley - finely chopped
  • 50 ml (0.25 cups) Pasta water

Instructions

  • Add the spaghetti to a pan of boiling water and simmer for 12 minutes.
  • Drain the spaghetti (reserving a little of the water) and then put it back in the pan and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well and serve.

Recipe Tips

  • Don't forget to take some water out of the spaghetti pan before you drain it as this will make such a difference to your sauce. If you do forget, just boil some water in the kettle and add that.
  • If you like your food spicy, then add a sprinkle of red chilli flakes on top before serving.
  • Serve with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley and cracked black pepper if you like.
  • Cook your spaghetti until al dente, as you don't want it to get too mushy.
  • Make this a little more indulgent by melting some butter in to the spaghetti.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2752IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 3mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • A large serving dish full of Summer pasta salad.
    Easy Summer Pasta Salad
  • A large cooking pot full of creamy beef pasta.
    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta
  • A plate of high protein mac and cheese.
    Protein Mac and Cheese
  • High Protein Tuna Pasta Salad

Comments

  1. Izzy says

    August 07, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    5 stars
    Looks delicious! I love everything pasta ;) thanks for sharing

    Reply
  2. Lubka Henry says

    July 25, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    5 stars
    Such a simple recipe, but looks so good. Great side dish.

    Reply
  3. Lucy @ Supergoldenbakes says

    July 25, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    I love your idea of using wholewheat spaghetti in this recipe. It's nice and robust and stands up to the garlic well.

    Reply
  4. Kim @ Three Olives Branch says

    July 25, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    I love quick and simple pastas, this looks so yummy! And such a great base for adding whatever you have in the fridge, yum!

    Reply
  5. Kristina says

    July 25, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    Mmm, YES I completely agree - sometimes the simple and quick is the tastiest! I have always loved a lemony pasta - this one looks fab!

    Reply
  6. Tara says

    July 25, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! This dish is a favorite of mine. Love the garlic and definitely perfect for a meal to use up pantry items.

    Reply
  7. Sara says

    July 25, 2017 at 10:57 am

    5 stars
    I love the simple idea. Some tomatoes would be good in this too I think.

    Reply
  8. Barbara says

    July 25, 2017 at 10:57 am

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner last night and it was delicious. I was a little worried when making it that it would have much flavour, but the herbs and garlic really are enough. Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  9. Deanna says

    July 24, 2017 at 1:03 am

    5 stars
    This looks amazing!!! I love to make this for dinner!!!!!

    Reply
  10. Monica | Nourish & Fete says

    July 23, 2017 at 11:10 pm

    I love simple meals like this! I do a very similar spaghetti with garlic and roasted tomatoes, and emulsify the olive oil in water - it really helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, so you get incredible flavor!

    Reply
  11. Anita says

    July 23, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    5 stars
    This is such an easy recipe. My favorite is to add a bit of chilies to make it into pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino.

    Reply
  12. Diana says

    July 23, 2017 at 10:25 pm

    5 stars
    Love such easy and quick dinners! Perfect for a weekday dinner!

    Reply
« Older Comments
5 from 31 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 854

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.