Perfect Pasta for a Quick Dinner

Keyword: quick pasta dinner recipes

In today's busy world, finding time to sit down and enjoy a hearty meal can be challenging. Fortunately, there is no need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate dishes that require many ingredients. A simple yet delicious quick pasta dinner recipe can satisfy your taste buds without overloading your schedule.

This dish not only provides you with a substantial amount of protein and carbohydrates but also offers essential vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. You will need minimal ingredients to prepare this easy recipe, ensuring that your shopping list remains short and manageable. The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, and the yield is enough for four servings.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 200 grams of cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the boiling water and add your pasta. Follow the package instructions regarding cooking time, which should be around 10-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you are using. Stir occasionally to avoid clumping.

While the pasta is boiling, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another couple of minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to your skillet once the onions have softened. Continue cooking on medium heat. Once the tomatoes are warm but still slightly juicy, season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Once the pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite), drain it in a colander while reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. This pasta water can help create a creamy sauce when mixed into your dish later on.

Mix the hot, drained pasta with the tomato and onion mixture gently so as not to break up the pasta too much. If desired, you can add the chopped basil for extra flavor at this point. Stir in enough of the reserved pasta water until the pasta is coated evenly but not overly wet.

Transfer the pasta onto your serving plates and top each plate with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if preferred. Serve immediately while still warm to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Additional Tips

1. If you prefer creamier pasta, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of butter or heavy cream when mixing the pasta into the sauce for a richer flavor.
2. Vary your toppings based on what vegetables are in season or available. You could also incorporate mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to add more color and nutrients.
3. To make this dish even quicker, use jarred marinara sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch. Just be sure to choose a quality product without added sugars or artificial flavors.

Conclusion

A quick pasta dinner recipe is an excellent solution when you need a satisfying meal that doesn't require hours spent in the kitchen. This dish combines simplicity with delicious flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. With its short preparation time and minimal ingredient requirements, this dish can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels.

Not only does this quick pasta dinner recipe offer a tasty meal option but also encourages you to try new combinations based on your preferences and available ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this dish can be adapted to fit various dietary restrictions and tastes.

To recap, our quick pasta dinner consists of 500 grams of pasta cooked al dente; three tablespoons of olive oil; one medium onion finely chopped with four cloves of minced garlic; two hundred grams of halved cherry tomatoes seasoned with salt and pepper; and an optional half cup of chopped fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish. The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, serving four people.