Are you craving a plate of comforting pasta but short on time or ingredients? The beauty of pasta lies in its versatility and simplicity. A simple pasta dish that requires no sauce can be an absolute delight, especially when you know the right techniques to elevate its flavor. This blog post will guide you through a quick and tasty pasta recipe that you can whip up in under 20 minutes, even when your pantry seems almost bare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or any type you prefer)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄2 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- 1-2 tbsp butter (optional for richness)
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes or black pepper (optional)
- A splash of pasta water
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
💡 Note: Salting the water not only flavors the pasta but also helps in achieving a better texture.
2. Infuse the Oil with Garlic
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant but not browned, for about 1-2 minutes.
💡 Note: To prevent the garlic from burning, keep the heat low and stir frequently.
3. Combine Pasta and Garlic
- Once the pasta is cooked, add it directly to the pan with garlic-infused oil.
- Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
4. Adding Cheese and Other Flavors
- Sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta and mix well.
- If using, add butter for extra creaminess.
- Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the cheese coat the pasta.
- Toss in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
💡 Note: Adding pasta water helps to create a light sauce consistency.
Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Al dente: Cook pasta until it is still slightly firm when bitten; this texture pairs wonderfully with simple preparations.
- Quality Matters: Good quality olive oil and cheese can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Garlic can burn easily, so watch it closely. Burnt garlic will add an unpleasant bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your simple pasta dish hot, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle more of cheese and a dash of parsley or pepper flakes. If you like, you can offer:
- A side salad with fresh greens.
- Grilled or sautéed vegetables.
- A crusty piece of bread to mop up the remaining flavors.
This dish, while simple, is a canvas for your culinary creativity:
- Add chopped sundried tomatoes or capers for a burst of flavor.
- Incorporate toasted nuts like pine nuts for texture.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano.
Ultimately, this simple pasta recipe without sauce is not just about quick preparation; it's also about understanding how flavors can work together with minimal ingredients. The garlic, oil, and cheese create a delicious emulsion when combined with the starchy pasta water, proving that less can indeed be more. Embrace the simplicity, savor the taste, and discover how basic pantry staples can turn into a flavorful meal in no time.
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
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Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine works well, but short pastas like penne or fusilli are also great. The key is to cook it al dente for the best texture and taste experience.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning when frying it?
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Keep the heat low to medium, and constantly stir the garlic in the oil. It’s better to cook it slowly until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, rather than letting it brown or burn quickly.
What can I substitute for Parmesan?
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Pecorino or Romano cheese can be used as substitutes for Parmesan. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, try using nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavor.
