Italian pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
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3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil or a handful fresh basil, chopped
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
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Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Equipment
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Large skillet or saucepan for sauce
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Strainer
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Wooden spoon
Time & Difficulty
| Task | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | 10 minutes | Easy |
| Cook | 20 minutes | Easy |
| Total | 30 minutes | Easy |
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden (about 1–2 minutes). Be careful not to burn.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
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Add the drained pasta to the skillet with sauce.
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Toss to coat the pasta well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
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Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Serve
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Serve pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
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Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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Garlic bread or bruschetta
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Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach
Variations
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Add cooked Italian sausage, meatballs, or grilled chicken for protein.
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Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
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Use fresh tomatoes in season for a lighter sauce.
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Swap spaghetti for penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | ~12g |
| Carbs | ~60g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
