Pin it A quick, flavorful pasta dish made with minimal ingredients for maximum taste and minimal effort.
I first discovered this recipe when I wanted something delicious without spending lots of time in the kitchen. It quickly became my go-to comfort meal after long days.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g dried spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Sauce: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic finely sliced, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 100 g cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 tsp salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Finishing: 20 g grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving), handful fresh basil leaves torn (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prep Sauce:
- 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.
- Tomato Sauté:
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until tomatoes start to soften and release juices.
- Combine & Toss:
- Add drained pasta directly to skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Finishing Touch:
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Pin it This pasta is a favorite for busy evenings and is always a hit with family. Its simplicity brings everyone together at the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains wheat and milk. Be mindful of cheese suitability for vegetarians.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 14 g
Pin it Serve with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for the perfect finishing touch. This fast pasta satisfies cravings in no time!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic over medium heat for a short time until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any dried or fresh pasta works well, but spaghetti holds the sauce nicely.
- → How do I make the sauce creamy without cream?
Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and give it a silky texture when combined with olive oil and parmesan.
- → What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Try a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
- → Is it possible to add greens for extra nutrition?
Yes, toss in fresh baby spinach or arugula just before serving for added flavor and nutrients.
- → How spicy does the dish get with red pepper flakes?
Red pepper flakes add a mild kick; adjust the amount to control the heat level.