Cooking With Olive Oil Penne Pasta

Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Penne Pasta

Updated December 1st 2025

Extra virgin olive oil and pasta is a classic Mediterranean main course that can be adapted to a multitude of tastes or dietary preferences.  A simple use of monounsaturated fat instead of butter, this flexible meal brings the health benefits of polyphenols to your quick pasta supper — learn more about these benefits in our Health Hub.

This simple Mediterranean-style dish also highlights why extra virgin olive oil works so well with pasta. Its healthy monounsaturated fats, natural polyphenols and rich aroma help elevate even the quickest midweek meal.

If you’d like to explore more ways to cook with EVOO, visit our Cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil guide.

Key Points at a Glance

  • Pasta and extra virgin olive oil are a classic Mediterranean pairing, delivering flavour, simplicity and natural health benefits.
  • EVOO provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats while helping to carry and amplify garlic, herbs and spices.
  • Polyphenols in EVOO add anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to your meal.
  • Pasta tossed with EVOO is naturally vegan, versatile and easy to digest — learn more in our Gut Health Guide.
  • Finishing your dish with a drizzle of Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil adds aroma and boosts nutrient absorption.

Key Health Benefits of Pasta With Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

  1. Supports heart health due to healthy fats
  2. Anti-inflammatory properties thanks to antioxidants
  3. Aids nutrient absorption, especially when paired with vegetables
  4. Adds rich, complex flavor without overpowering other ingredients
  5. Naturally vegan and versatile, making it ideal for all diets

To learn more about the antioxidants that make EVOO so beneficial, explore our Polyphenols in Extra Virgin Olive Oil guide.

Quick & Delicious Pasta Recipes Featuring EVOO

Here are a few quick and delicious recipes combining the health benefits and flavour potential that pasta and olive oil present.

If you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, browse our Recipes & Inspiration hub.

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Penne Pasta, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Pine Nuts

Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces of penne pasta
  • 2 cloves of grated garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • ÂĽ cup of grated romano or parmesan cheese
  • 1 ounce of pine nuts sautĂ©ed in extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt to boil the pasta
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to boil the pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Put 2 quarts of water to boil with the teaspoon of salt and oil, then add the pasta.
  2. Cook for 10 minutes or until ready. (Don’t overcook. Pasta should be tender, but still have “tooth.”)
  3. Drain pasta and add the grated garlic, oregano, cheese, pine nuts and salt/pepper to taste.
  4. Prior to serving, add a cup of extra virgin olive oil.

Garlic & EVOO Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio)

Serves 2
Spaghetti

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
  2. Sauté garlic in EVOO over medium heat until golden.
  3. Add chili flakes.
  4. Toss in the pasta and a splash of pasta water.
  5. Finish with parsley, pepper, and another drizzle of EVOO.

Cherry Tomato & Basil EVOO Pasta

Serves 2

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Sauté tomatoes and garlic in EVOO until blistered.
  2. Add cooked pasta and toss.
  3. Finish with fresh basil and a final drizzle of raw EVOO.

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Works So Well With Pasta

Butter / Vegetable Oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Main fats Saturated or refined seed oils Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
Antioxidants Minimal Rich in polyphenols and vitamin E
Flavour Neutral or creamy taste Fruity, peppery, aromatic; enhances herbs & spices
Best uses Heavy or creamy dishes Garlic sautés, tomato sauces, basil pastas, roasted vegetables

Practical Tips for Cooking Pasta with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For more health insights about EVOO, visit our Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil hub.

  1. Don’t add EVOO to your boiling water

Despite the myth, adding oil to pasta water prevents sauce from clinging properly. Save your EVOO for after cooking.

  1. Toss the pasta with EVOO after draining

A drizzle of EVOO keeps the pasta strands from sticking—especially helpful for spaghetti or linguine. It also creates a silky base that blends beautifully with sauces.

  1. Use EVOO as a finishing oil

High-quality EVOO shines brightest when uncooked. After plating your pasta, finish with a swirl of oil for:

  • A burst of aroma
  • Extra depth of flavor
  • A subtle, satisfying richness
  1. Use EVOO for sautéing garlic, veggies, or herbs

While EVOO is best raw, it can still be used for light sautéing. Its lower smoke point is not a problem at medium heat—exactly what you want for delicate aromatics.

  1. Choose the right EVOO flavor profile

Not all oils taste the same!

  • Peppery, intense oils → great for tomato sauces and hearty dishes
  • Smooth, buttery oils → ideal for light, lemony, or herb-based pastas
  • Green, grassy oils → pair well with vegetables and pesto
  1. Store your EVOO properly

Keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor and nutrients. Improper storage can make even the best oils taste flat.

So, now you know the whys and hows for creating quick, delicious and simple pasta recipes with extra virgin olive oil, now is the time to take advantage of our many discount offers and order your bottle of Morocco Gold today.

To understand why Morocco Gold has such a distinctive flavour and high polyphenol count, visit About Morocco Gold.

Final Thoughts

Pasta and extra virgin olive oil are a timeless combination that brings together taste, simplicity and natural health benefits. Whether you prefer classic garlic spaghetti or fresh tomato-basil penne, using a high-quality EVOO like Morocco Gold enhances flavour while supporting heart health and overall wellbeing.

With just a few ingredients and a bottle of premium olive oil, you can create quick, delicious and nourishing meals any night of the week.

👉 Shop Morocco Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil

FAQs: Cooking Pasta with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1. Should I add olive oil to pasta water?
No. Adding oil to boiling water prevents sauces from sticking properly. Save your extra virgin olive oil for tossing with the pasta after draining or as a finishing oil.

2. Is extra virgin olive oil healthy to use with pasta?
Yes. EVOO provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and natural antioxidants. When paired with whole grains, vegetables or nuts, it creates a balanced Mediterranean-style meal.

3. Can I sauté garlic and vegetables in extra virgin olive oil?
Absolutely. EVOO is ideal for light sautéing at medium heat, especially for garlic, herbs, onions and vegetables.

4. Does EVOO lose nutrients when heated?
Gentle heating preserves many beneficial compounds. EVOO only begins to degrade at very high temperatures, which are not typically used in pasta dishes.

5. What type of EVOO is best for pasta?
Peppery or robust oils work well with tomato sauces and strong flavours. Smooth, buttery EVOOs pair perfectly with garlic, basil or lighter pasta dishes.

6. Why finish pasta with raw EVOO?
Finishing with a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil intensifies aroma, boosts flavour and preserves delicate polyphenols.

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