Easy Garlic & Herb Pasta | Quick Weeknight Pasta with Olive Oil & Parmesan
This Simple Garlic and Herb Pasta is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner — a fuss‑free recipe made with everyday ingredients you already have in the kitchen. Ready in under 20 minutes, this flavour‑packed pasta combines fragrant garlic, fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil for a light, comforting meal the whole family will love.
It’s an ideal budget‑friendly recipe for busy evenings, simple lunches or when you need a fast side dish to serve with chicken, fish or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re looking for an easy pasta recipe, a no‑cream garlic pasta, or a reliable midweek meal, this garlic and herb pasta delivers big flavour with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic & Herb Pasta
- Chilli flakes or lemon zest for a finishing touch
- Garlic bread or cheesy garlic baguette
- Simple green salad with lemon or balsamic dressing
- Roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness and colour
- Grilled chicken — plain, lemon‑herb, or chilli‑rubbed
- Pan‑fried salmon or grilled white fish
- Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme
- Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- Crispy bacon or pancetta sprinkled over the top
- Fresh mozzarella, burrata, or Parmesan shavings
- Roasted Mediterranean vegetables (peppers, courgettes, aubergine)
- A side of peas — buttered or minted
- Bruschetta or caprese salad for a lighter pairing
- Crusty bread to mop up any leftover oil and herbs
Variations: Garlic & Herb Pasta
- Garlic‑Rich Pasta — increase garlic for deeper aromatic warmth and a stronger flavour base.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Chilli — add chilli flakes for gentle heat that lifts the garlic.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Spinach — wilt spinach into the pan for colour and a soft, silky texture.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Mushrooms — sauté mushrooms for earthy savoury depth.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Broccoli — add small broccoli florets for freshness and extra veg.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Peas — stir in peas for gentle sweetness that brightens the dish.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Tomatoes — add cherry tomatoes for juiciness and a fresh burst of acidity.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Lemon — finish with lemon zest for a bright, citrusy lift.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Parmesan — add extra Parmesan for a richer, more indulgent finish.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Cream — stir in a splash of cream for a silky, lightly creamy version.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Courgette — include sliced courgette for a light, summery twist.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Chicken — add cooked chicken for a more filling, protein‑rich meal.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Bacon — stir in crispy bacon for smoky savoury depth.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Mixed Herbs — increase basil, parsley or oregano for a more fragrant finish.
- Garlic & Herb Pasta with Prawns — add prawns for a quick, luxurious seafood twist
Garlic and herb pasta
Garlic and herb pasta coated in a light, glossy oil, flecked with herbs, creating a fresh, simple dish that looks bright, fragrant and inviting
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 450 g penne pasta
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 red chilli pepper, de-seeded and finely chopped
- ½ tbsp oregano
- ½ tbsp parsley
- ½ tbsp basil
- pinch of salt and pepper
- grated cheese, sprinkled on top parmesan or your favourite cheddar
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to packet instructions and drain well and tip back into the pan.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the oil and add the garlic and chilli. Cook for 1-2mins, until the garlic is fragrant, stir in the herbs and season well.
- Tip the oil into the pasta and toss well so all the pasta is coated in oil. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated cheese.