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.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
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)
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
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.