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Easy Pasta

This easy pasta recipe is a quick, budget-friendly meal that combines pasta, garlic, and creamy sauce for a comforting dish that kids and adults will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 12 oz Pasta (penne, rotini, spaghetti, or shells) Use your preferred type of pasta.
  • 2 tbsp Butter or olive oil Butter for a cozy flavor, olive oil for a lighter option.
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh is best, but garlic powder can be used.
  • 1/3 cup Broth or reserved pasta water For smooth sauce consistency.
  • 1/2 cup Cream, half and half, or milk Use the richest option you have for a creamier sauce.
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) Pre-grated is fine, freshly grated melts better.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Baby spinach Can be added to the sauce for extra nutrition.
  • 1 cup Peas Frozen peas work well.
  • 1 cup Leftover chicken To make it a fuller meal.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped tomatoes For added flavor and nutrition.
  • to taste Red pepper flakes If you like a bit of heat.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning as per taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Start the sauce. In a large skillet, melt the butter (or warm olive oil) over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
Cooking
  1. Add the liquid. Pour in the broth or reserved pasta water. Stir and let it bubble for about a minute.
  2. Make it creamy. Lower the heat and add cream (or milk). Stir gently and mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add more pasta water if the sauce appears too thick.
Combine and Serve
  1. Toss in the drained pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in any spinach until wilted. Serve warm.

Notes

This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to add cooked proteins or vegetables according to your preference. Leftovers can be reheated by adding a splash of broth or milk.