Olive oil pasta is a terrific alternative to red- and white-based sauces.

Olive oil is one of the most versatile pantry staples. You can use it in several ways to flex your creativity in the kitchen, lend extra depth to dishes, and help cut expenses. Add it to salad dressings, meat marinades, and dips for an instant flavor boost. Or fry, bake, grill, braise, or roast using this all-around ingredient! And don’t forget how it can stand as a substitute for red- and white-based pasta sauces. Simple yet elegant, olive oil pasta dishes are an easy way to make stay-in date nights more exciting – perfect for love month.

What is Olive Oil?

First, get to know the ingredient better. The natural cooking oil tastes earthy, slightly nutty, and distinctly like olives, especially when you source the premium variety. It’s healthier than other oils because of its anti-inflammatory properties, healthy-fat content, and lack of chemical additives.

The oil is also a good source of antioxidants and vitamins E and K. Among the numerous olive oil benefits include keeping the heart healthy, preventing blood clots, and avoiding the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol. Incorporating it into your diet is an easy way to start a healthy cooking habit.

Olive oil comes in a few types: extra virgin, virgin, and light. The first one has the highest quality. It’s deep green, very fragrant, and most potent in flavor. Virgin olive oil differs slightly because of its light gold color. Lastly, light olive oil goes through heat-pressing to give it a longer shelf life and a higher smoking point.

Reserve extra virgin for making dressings and drizzling over dishes. Choose the other two for sautéing, pan-frying, and preparing some of the recipe ideas below. Just avoid deep-frying because the oil can burn over very high heat.

6 Olive Oil Pasta Recipes

Get your pan hot and ready! It’s time to impress your date with a delicious, nutritious olive oil pasta dish. Start with familiar flavors, like your favorite protein (shrimp, chorizo, or bacon, anyone?). Next, spice things up with garlic, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s that easy! Here are some simple recipes to consider.

1. Seafood pasta in olive oil

Just came back from your weekly market day? Make your pasta shine by keeping it simple with a mix of your favorite seafood. Combine shrimp, mussels, fish fillets, and Knorr Shrimp Cubes with olive oil and spaghetti noodles for a hearty meal in under an hour.

2. Garlic and tuna pasta in olive oil

Do you need to whip up an impressive pasta dish in 30 minutes? Mix cooked spaghetti, tinned tuna, olive oil, Knorr Liquid Seasoning, and toasted garlic for a flavor-packed date-night surprise. Turn up the heat by picking the spicy fish variant and sprinkling chili flakes on top.

3.Pasta with olive oil and garlic (aglio e olio)

Aglio e olio is a classic Italian dish featuring two simple yet powerful ingredients – garlic and oil. To start, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add grated Parmesan cheese and al dente noodles; toss well to combine. Add some pasta cooking water for the sauce, then top the dish generously with chopped flat-leaf parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Delizioso!

4. Chorizo and shrimp olive oil pasta

Fresh seafood can make an olive oil-based pasta shine. But add the richness of chorizo, and you’re in for a treat! Toss in chopped garlic and siling labuyo for some heat, mushrooms for heft, and a knob of butter for an indulgent finish.

5. Bacon and garlic olive oil pasta

Meat lovers, this one is for you! Nothing lends comfort more than crunchy, salty bacon. To bring it up a notch, toss some bits with butter, golden garlic, and al dente noodles. Fresh basil leaves round out the dish with their fragrant, light bites. Pure bliss!

6. Chorizo and olive oil pasta

The great thing about olive oil pasta is its versatility. You can get creative and throw anything into the pot. Case in point: chorizo de Bilbao or any other heavily spiced sausage! Mix it with any pasta shape, then throw in any leftover veg in your fridge. Go for garlic, carrot, mushrooms, and celery for a colorful mix.

Are you ready for date night? Take your pick from these olive oil pasta and wow your loved one with a flavor-loaded treat.