Save A quick, flavorful pasta dish made with minimal ingredients for maximum taste and minimal effort.
This pasta became my go-to for hectic weekdays when I wanted something comforting but didn&t want to spend ages in the kitchen. It&s surprising how the simplest ingredients can create such irresistible taste.
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 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.
- Add Tomatoes & Pepper:
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to soften and release juices.
- Toss Pasta & Sauce:
- Add drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Finish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Save 
Save I always make double so there&s enough for lunch the next day. My family loves it, especially when we gather around the table after a busy day—simple meals like this make for the best memories.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, wooden spoon
Notes
For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. Add baby spinach or arugula for more greens. Enjoy with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 14 g (per serving)
Save 
Save This pasta proves that great flavor doesn&t require complicated techniques. Try it once and it might become your favorite quick comfort food.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic over medium heat and watch closely until fragrant, about 1 minute, to avoid browning which can cause bitterness.
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any dried pasta like penne or linguine works well; just adjust cooking time to al dente texture.
- → What substitutes work for Parmesan cheese?
For a vegan twist, try nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives to maintain savory depth.
- → How does reserved pasta water help the sauce?
The starchy water binds the sauce, adding silkiness and helping it cling evenly to the pasta strands.
- → Can I add greens to this dish?
Yes, tossing in baby spinach or arugula near the end adds freshness and extra nutrition.