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easy pasta dinner recipes recipe
Nico Martinez

Easy Pasta Dinner Recipes

A simple and comforting pasta dish rooted in Italian culinary tradition, featuring garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan with endless customization options. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a budget-friendly, family-approved meal perfect for weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz (225g) dried spaghetti or linguine
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

  • Large pot, colander, large skillet or sauté pan, tongs, grater, measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
    easy pasta dinner recipes recipe card
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the garlic oil.
  4. Toss the pasta with the oil, gradually adding reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese and chopped parsley.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 | Carbohydrates: 52 | Protein: 13 | Fat: 18

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