ABOUT CONTACT
HOMERECIPESCATEGORIESABOUT
Easy Pasta with crispy potato crust and vegetable filling a white plate overhead view

Easy Pasta

By Xavier
Food Photographer

The aroma of freshly cooked pasta fills the kitchen, a comforting scent that never fails to evoke a sense of warmth and coziness. As I stand at the stove, stirring the spaghetti as it dances in the boiling water, I am reminded of the simple joys of cooking a classic dish.

The sound of sizzling garlic and olive oil in the pan signals the start of a delicious sauce, one that will soon be tossed with the al dente pasta, coating every strand with its rich, savory flavor. It's a moment I look forward to every time I make this easy pasta dish, a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Easy Pasta

With just a few quality ingredients, this easy pasta recipe comes together in no time, making it the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.
  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp (5g) dried basil
  • 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
Easy Pasta with crispy potato crust and vegetable filling a white plate overhead view

Step-by-Step Instructions

The key to a great pasta dish is in the balance of flavors and textures, which is easily achieved by following a few simple steps.
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until it is lightly golden and fragrant.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, while the pasta cooks.
  4. Combine the cooked spaghetti and tomato sauce in the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until it is melted and the sauce is well combined with the pasta.

What to Serve with Easy Pasta

As I sit down to enjoy this easy pasta, I appreciate the simplicity of the dish, the way the flavors and textures come together to create a satisfying meal. The key to pairing this pasta with other dishes is to find contrast and balance.

Garlic Bread: A classic combination that never goes out of style, the crunch of the bread and the pungency of the garlic provide a nice contrast to the soft pasta and rich sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers add a nice pop of color and a bit of crunch to the dish, cutting the richness of the pasta and sauce.
Caprese Salad: A simple salad of sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting pasta.
Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, grilled chicken can be added on top of the pasta, its smoky flavor complementing the bright, acidic taste of the tomatoes.
Sauteed Spinach: Quickly cooked with garlic and lemon, spinach adds a burst of nutrients and flavor to the dish, its slight bitterness balancing the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Canned or marinated artichoke hearts can be added to the pasta for a unique flavor and texture combination, their sweetness and slight bitterness pairing well with the savory sauce.
Lemon and Herb Quinoa: For a more filling meal, a side of quinoa cooked with lemon juice and herbs like parsley or basil can provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the pasta.
Roasted Asparagus: Thinly sliced or whole asparagus spears roasted in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper can make a delicious and healthy side dish that complements the pasta nicely.
Easy Pasta with crispy potato crust and vegetable filling a white plate overhead view

Storage and Serving Tips

To store any leftover pasta, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating the pasta is best done in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or sauce if the pasta seems dry.

For longer storage, the pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, thawing and reheating as needed.

Conclusion

This easy pasta recipe is a versatile and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in many different ways, making it a great addition to any home cook's repertoire.
Easy Pasta with crispy potato crust and vegetable filling a white plate overhead view

Easy Pasta

A classic and comforting pasta dish made with spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and crushed tomatoes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Rest Time
0 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Serves: 4 people Course: Light Dinner, Lunch, Salad Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired Calories: 420 per serving

📝 Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp (5g) dried basil
  • 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley

🍳 Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cheese grater

👨‍🍳 Method

  1. Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the garlic until lightly golden.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine the cooked spaghetti and tomato sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.

📝 Notes

This recipe can be easily customized with additional ingredients such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or sautéed spinach.