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+ servings
Spaghetti pasta with shrimp and cherry tomatoes in a black pan garnished with spring onions.

25+ Best Pasta Recipes (Easy and Delicious)

These 25 pasta recipes are a must-try for anyone who loves carbs and wants to try out different flavors and ingredients. They offer a range of options to cater to different tastes, dietary requirements, and lifestyles. Additionally, many of these recipes are easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep, making them a convenient and practical option for busy individuals. Trying out these pasta recipes is also a fun way to bond with family or friends and expand your culinary skills.
5 from 1 vote
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Canada, European, Italian
Servings 2 people
Calories 415 kcal

Instructions
 

  • Boil the water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add salt to the water to season the pasta.
  • Cook the pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Depending on the pasta shape and type, cooking time can vary from 8 to 12 minutes.
  • Prepare the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic, then add the tomato sauce or other sauce ingredients and let it simmer until it thickens.
  • Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and reserve some pasta water.
  • Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
  • Add additional ingredients: Add any additional ingredients to the pasta and sauce, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese.
  • Serve: Plate the pasta and serve hot, topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Here are some expert chef tips to prepare the best pasta dish:
  1. Use plenty of salt: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before cooking the pasta. This will help to season the pasta and prevent it from sticking together.
  2. Don’t overcook the pasta: It’s important to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture.
  3. Save some pasta water: Before draining the pasta, reserve some pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to help it thicken and adhere better to the pasta.
  4. Use good quality ingredients: Using high-quality pasta, sauce, and additional ingredients will help to elevate the overall flavor and quality of the dish.
  5. Toss the pasta in the sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, add it directly to the sauce in the pan and toss it until it is well coated. This will help the sauce to adhere to the pasta and ensure that every bite is flavorful.
  6. Add fresh herbs and cheese: Finishing the dish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, and grated cheese will add extra flavor and texture to the pasta.
  7. Taste as you go: Taste the pasta and sauce as you cook to adjust the seasoning and ensure that the flavors are balanced.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 198mgPotassium: 844mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 4600IUVitamin C: 113mgCalcium: 197mgIron: 2.3mg
Keyword easy weekday pastas, healthy pasta recipes, simple and tasty homemade pasta
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