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    Home » Easy Pasta Recipes

    Garlic Parsley Pasta

    Jun 24, 2024 · Modified: Jun 24, 2024 by Emily · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    Indulge in the rich flavors of this garlic parsley pasta, a delicious pasta dish that combines the aromatic essence of garlic with the fresh taste of parsley.

    This simple yet flavorful recipe is a perfect go-to for a delicious meal.

    Close up image of garlic parsley pasta in a bowl on a wooden board.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Cost To Make
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Tips for Success
    • Substitutions / Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • More Mains Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Garlic parsley pasta is a simple yet delicious pasta recipe that combines the rich flavors of garlic and parsley with the comforting texture of pasta.

    This recipe is incredibly simple yet packed with flavor.

    The pasta is tossed in a fragrant mixture of olive oil, garlic, and freshly chopped parsley, with a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

    Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is a testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

    This garlic parsley pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special Italian-themed meal. It's also a wonderful dish for potlucks, as its robust flavors appeal to many tastes and it remains delicious when served at room temperature.

    This pasta is an excellent choice for meal prep, providing a flavorful and satisfying option that can be quickly reheated.

    For special occasions like Christmas or family gatherings, this garlic parsley pasta recipe brings a touch of classic Italian comfort and elegance to the table, making it a beloved choice for festive feasts.

    Parsley pasta in a bowl.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Combines the rich, comforting flavors of garlic and parsley.
    • Simple Ingredients: Uses basic, high-quality ingredients for an authentic taste.
    • Quick to Make: A fast and easy recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week.
    • This garlic parsley pasta recipe is budget friendly.
    • Versatile Serving: Great for potlucks, meal prep, or as a part of a festive Italian meal.
    • Flavorful and Satisfying: Despite its simplicity, it’s packed with delicious, robust flavors.

    Cost To Make

    Estimated cost = $5.10 or $1.27 a serve

    Ingredients

    Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

    Ingredients for garlic parsley pasta.
    • Dried Pasta: Such as penne, spirals, linguine.
    • Neutral Flavored Oil: Such as vegetable oil.
    • Brown Onion: Finely chopped.
    • Garlic: Minced.
    • Butter
    • Red Pepper (Chili) Flakes
    • Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated.
    • Salt and Pepper
    • Parsley: Flat leaf or curly, roughly chopped.

    Instructions

    This recipe for garlic parsley pasta serves 4. The ingredient quantities can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.

    Step One: Cook your pasta according to packet instructions. When the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.

    Step Two: Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium sized saucepan. Once hot, add the brown onion and cook until the onions are soft and lightly browned.

    Step Three: Add the minced garlic and saute for 1 – 2 minutes, be careful not to burn your garlic.

    Step Four: Next, add the butter and melt. Once melted, add the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using)

    Step Five: Turn off heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. You want to slightly over season your sauce.

    Step Six: Then mix through the roughly chopped parsley and cooked pasta. Once mixed through, if you want your pasta to have a bit more sauce, add some of the reserved pasta water and adjust seasoning as desired.

    Tips for Success

    • Low Heat for Garlic: Sauté garlic over low heat to avoid burning and create a mellow, sweet flavor.
    • Toss Well: Mix the pasta thoroughly with the garlic oil to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
    Garlic parsley pasta in a white bowl.

    Substitutions / Variations

    • Anchovy Addition: Add finely chopped anchovies to the garlic oil for a deeper, umami flavor.
    • Lemon Garlic: Incorporate fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, citrusy note.
    • Mushroom Mix: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy, savory addition.
    • Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
    • Herb Blend: Combine parsley with other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for a more flavor.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Main Course: Top with grated Parmesan and serve with a side of crusty bread.
    • Side Dish: Complement with a hearty protein like steak, grilled chicken, or seafood.
    • Elegant Dinner: Pair with a glass of white wine and a side salad for an elegant dinner.
    • Serve with a bowl of soup or a warm, comforting stew.
    • Special Occasion: Include it as part of a festive meal for holidays or family gatherings, paired with other Italian dishes like bruschetta and caprese salad.

    Storage

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of olive oil if needed.

    Alternatively you could reheat in the microwave.

    FAQ

    What are the four herbs most popular with pastas?

    Basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme are the four most popular herbs used in pasta dishes.

    When should I add parsley to pasta?

    Add parsley to pasta just before serving to retain its fresh flavor and vibrant color.

    Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh in pasta?

    Yes, but use less dried parsley since its flavor is more concentrated than fresh parsley.

    Garlic parsley pasta in a bowl.

    Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.

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    Recipe

    Close up image of garlic parsley pasta in a bowl.

    Garlic Parsley Pasta

    Emily
    Indulge in the simplicity of this garlic parsley pasta recipe.
    This pasta is so quick and easy to make, and its ready in under 30 minutes.
    It's perfect for those busy weeknights, last minute dinner parties, or even to serve cold in your lunch box!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Western
    Servings 4 serves
    Calories 549 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 320 grams (11.30 ounces) dried pasta such as penne, spirals, linguine
    • 2 tablespoon neutral flavored oil such as vegetable oil
    • 1 medium (120 grams, 4.23 ounces) Brown Onion finely chopped
    • 1 ½ teaspoons (2-3 cloves) garlic minced
    • ¼ cup (60 grams, 2.12 ounces) butter
    • ½ cup (60 grams, 2.12 ounces) parmesan cheese finely grated, plus extra to garnish
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
    • Salt to taste
    • Pepper to taste
    • 1 cup (50 grams, 1.76 ounces) parsley flat leaf or curly, roughly chopped, plus extra to garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Cook your pasta according to packet instructions. When the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
    • Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium sized saucepan. Once hot, add the brown onion and cook until the onions are soft and lightly browned.
    • Add the minced garlic and saute for 1 – 2 minutes, be careful not to burn your garlic.
    • Next, add the butter and melt. Once melted, add the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using)
    • Turn off heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. You want to slightly over season your sauce.
    • Then mix through the roughly chopped parsley and cooked pasta. Once mixed through, if you want your pasta to have a bit more sauce, add some of the reserved pasta water and adjust seasoning as desired.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 serveCalories: 549kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 17gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 589mgPotassium: 109mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hello and welcome to No Fuss Noodles!

    My name is Emily. I am the founder, cook, and photographer behind No Fuss Noodles.

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