Save to Pinterest 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.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g dried spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely sliced
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes: 100 g, halved
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: freshly ground, to taste
- Parmesan cheese: 20 g grated (plus more for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves: handful, torn (optional)
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Instructions
- 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.
Save to Pinterest My family loves when I make this simple pasta after a busy day. The empty plates speak for themselves.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, and a wooden spoon make prep and cooking quick and easy.
Allergen Information
This pasta contains wheat and milk from Parmesan cheese. Use a suitable cheese if cooking for vegetarians.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides 430 calories, 16 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 14 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This pasta is perfect for lazy nights but looks and tastes like you spent far more time in the kitchen.
Common Recipe Questions
- → 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.
