Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly coated pasta, bursting with the vibrant flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen. This Olive Oil Italiano Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a culinary passport to the sun-drenched hills of Mediterranean cuisine. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll transform an ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary dining experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1/2 cup of olive oil, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/2 cup of fresh basil (chopped), salt to taste, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well) and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it smoke.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavor into the oil.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil. Season with salt to taste.
- To serve, plate the pasta and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also add extra fresh basil for garnish if desired.
- Enjoy your Olive Oil Italiano Sauce pasta warm, savoring the rich flavors of garlic, basil, and Parmesan!
Tips
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic flavor.
- Always mince garlic finely to prevent burning and ensure even distribution.
- Reserve pasta water before draining—its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Don't overcook the garlic; golden and fragrant is the sweet spot.
- Fresh basil is key—chop it just before adding to preserve its bright flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Warm your serving plates to keep the pasta hot and delicious.
- For a luxurious touch, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 342kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
