For a quick and easy pasta meal with minimal ingredients, consider these simple recipes that are both delicious and satisfying.
1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This classic Italian dish is incredibly simple yet flavorful. You'll need just spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Cook the spaghetti, sauté garlic in olive oil, add red pepper flakes, and toss with the cooked pasta. Finish with Parmesan cheese for a quick and aromatic meal.
2. Cacio e Pepe
Another Italian favorite, Cacio e Pepe requires only spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water. Cook the spaghetti, reserve some pasta water, and mix the cheese and pepper with the hot pasta and water to create a creamy sauce.
3. One-Pot Pasta
This method combines uncooked pasta, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and your choice of vegetables in one pot. Add water and let everything cook together until the pasta is al dente. This method is not only quick but also minimizes cleanup.
4. Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
For a fresh and light option, use cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add halved cherry tomatoes until they burst, then toss with cooked pasta and fresh basil.
5. Tuna and Tomato Pasta
A pantry staple recipe using canned tuna, canned tomatoes, garlic, and pasta. Sauté garlic in olive oil, add tomatoes and tuna, simmer until thickened, then mix with cooked pasta for a hearty meal.These recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want something quick yet satisfying without needing a long list of ingredients.
