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Easy Fast Pasta Recipe Your Go-To Dinner Solution

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Learn how to make delicious pasta recipe easy fast. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape (I like linguine for a little extra bite)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, preferably extra virgin
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I learned to love a little heat from Mama Lu’s brisk mountain air)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or canned diced tomatoes if fresh aren’t available)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley, for brightness
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, but adds a lovely richness)

Substitution notes: If you’re gluten-free, brown rice or chickpea pasta work beautifully here. Fresh garlic can be swapped for garlic powder in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon. And if you don’t have Parmesan, a sharp Pecorino or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can bring a similar savory touch.

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Mama Lu never worried about timers, but she knew the feel of perfectly tender pasta when she tasted it — so don’t be afraid to test a strand.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring gently. Let the garlic soften and become fragrant but watch carefully — nothing burns faster than garlic. This step is where the dish starts to sing, just like the way Mama Lu’s skillet cornbread filled the kitchen with promise.
  3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Let them cook down for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and begin to soften. If your tomatoes are on the firmer side, you can gently press them with your spoon to help them along.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta well.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes. Toss well to coat, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and bring it all together. This technique is one I picked up from watching Mama Lu—she’d always add a splash of broth or water to keep things moist without drowning the flavor.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter (if using) and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. The cheese melts into the pasta, creating a silky finish that feels like a hug from an old friend.
  7. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/pasta-recipe-easy-fast/