Olive Oil & Herb Pasta 🫒🌿🧄🍝 Light, Fragrant, and Comforting With Bold Garlic and Garden-Fresh Herbs

This is the pasta you make when you want something fast, clean, and surprisingly satisfying. No cream, no tomato — just silky olive oil, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs coating every noodle.

It’s simple, elegant, and endlessly riffable. A true back-pocket favorite.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair
• Salted water for boiling
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For the oil & herb sauce

• ¼ cup good-quality olive oil
• 3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives, oregano, thyme — mix as desired)
• Zest of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

To finish

• Extra olive oil
• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino (optional)
• More fresh herbs or lemon zest
• Optional: toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts for texture

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Infuse the oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1–2 minutes until just golden and fragrant — don’t let it burn.

Step 3: Toss with pasta
Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss gently, then add chopped herbs, lemon zest, and a splash of pasta water to loosen. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Serve immediately
Plate hot with more herbs, olive oil, cheese if using, and any crunchy toppings.

Flavor Variations

• Add anchovies or capers for umami depth
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or olives
• Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a mellow flavor
• Finish with a drizzle of chili oil or truffle oil
• Swap in cooked shrimp or white beans for a heartier dish

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality olive oil — it’s the star
• Slice garlic thin and cook gently to avoid bitterness
• Pasta water helps emulsify the oil and coat the noodles
• Don’t overdo the herbs — let the oil lead
• Add herbs off-heat to preserve freshness and color

Final Thoughts

Olive Oil & Herb Pasta is light, fast, and deeply flavorful — a dish that proves simple doesn’t mean boring. With a few good ingredients and a little technique, you’ve got a comfort pasta that’s always ready to deliver.

Slice it. Sizzle it. Swirl it with green. 🫒🌿🧄🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

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