Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Fresh Basil and Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple yet flavorful pasta dish where freshly minced garlic is gently sautéed in olive oil, tossed with spaghetti, basil, and Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 5 finely minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using, sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously to coat the noodles and create a light sauce.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding more pasta water as needed to reach a silky consistency. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Fresh Basil and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Fresh Basil and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Fresh Basil and Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Fresh Basil and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Pasta with Fresh Basil and Parmesan?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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