What pasta works best for this dish?

Dried spaghetti or your favorite long pasta fits well, as it holds the sauce nicely and cooks quickly.

Yes, skip the Parmesan or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

How do I achieve a silky sauce?

Saving some pasta water and adding it while tossing the pasta helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce.

Fresh basil is recommended, but you can also include baby spinach or arugula for additional flavor and nutrition.

The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can omit them for a milder flavor profile.

A quick, flavorful pasta dish made with minimal ingredients for maximum taste and minimal effort.

This has been my go-to pasta dish whenever I need dinner in a flash. With pantry basics, I can whip up something satisfying even on busy weeknights.

Prep and Cook Pasta:: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté Garlic:: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Cook Tomatoes:: Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:: Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create sauce.
Add Cheese and Serve:: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve topped with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

My family loves when I make this simple pasta after a busy day. The empty plates speak for themselves.

Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, and a wooden spoon make prep and cooking quick and easy.

This pasta contains wheat and milk from Parmesan cheese. Use a suitable cheese if cooking for vegetarians.

Each serving provides 430 calories, 16 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 14 g protein.

This pasta is perfect for lazy nights but looks and tastes like you spent far more time in the kitchen.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?: Dried spaghetti or your favorite long pasta fits well, as it holds the sauce nicely and cooks quickly.
→ Can I make it vegan?: Yes, skip the Parmesan or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
→ How do I achieve a silky sauce?: Saving some pasta water and adding it while tossing the pasta helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
→ What can I add for extra greens?: Fresh basil is recommended, but you can also include baby spinach or arugula for additional flavor and nutrition.
→ Is this dish spicy?: The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can omit them for a milder flavor profile.