Save A quick, flavorful pasta dish made with minimal ingredients for maximum taste and minimal effort.
This is my go-to pasta for fast weeknight dinners when I want comfort but refuse to spend all evening cooking. No matter how tired I am, this delivers every time and feels more impressive than it should!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g dried spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely sliced
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp, optional
- Cherry tomatoes: 100 g, halved
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: Freshly ground, to taste
- Parmesan cheese: 20 g grated (plus more for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves: Handful, torn, optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook tomatoes:
- Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Finish with cheese:
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Save I love serving Lazy-Girl Pasta to my sister when she swings by, because we can catch up and eat well without any fuss. It&s always a hit at our small family dinners.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, and wooden spoon make prep simple for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Milk (Parmesan cheese). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 430, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 14 g
Save 
Just add a sprinkle of Parmesan, a pinch of basil, and revel in how delicious minimal-effort pasta can be. Weeknight magic!
Common Questions
- → How can I make the sauce silky?
Add a splash of reserved pasta water when tossing the pasta in the skillet. The starch in the water helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any dried pasta such as penne or fusilli works well. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
- → What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
For a vegan or dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative to maintain a similar flavor and texture.
- → Is it possible to add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Adding baby spinach, arugula, or sautéed mushrooms boosts nutrition and complements the existing flavors nicely.
- → How do I avoid garlic burning during sautéing?
Sauté garlic over medium heat for a short time until fragrant but not browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning and bitterness.