Description
Mediterranean Spaghetti with Garlic Oil & Herbs is a quick, fresh, and flavorful pasta that’s perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties. Golden garlic sautéed in olive oil mingles with red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, while fresh parsley, basil, and a squeeze of lemon bring bright, zesty flavor. Top it with crumbled feta or Parmesan for a creamy finish—simple, elegant, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté gently until garlic is golden and fragrant.
Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, pour in a little reserved pasta water, and toss to coat evenly.
Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with crumbled feta or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Be careful not to burn the garlic—it turns bitter quickly.
Reserve pasta water to create a glossy, silky coating on the spaghetti.
Swap spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Add cherry tomatoes, roasted vegetables, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing / Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (~1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg