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Simple Pasta with Olive Oil and Parmesan

This Simple Pasta with Olive Oil and Parmesan is my lazy‑day lifesaver — fast, comforting, and made with pantry staples. Toss hot pasta in rich olive oil, sprinkle fresh Parmesan, and you’ve got a cozy, no‑stress dinner that tastes way fancier than it is. Perfect for busy nights, beginner cooks, or anyone who just can’t chop one more vegetable.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 8 ounces pasta spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite shape
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Instructions
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic (if using) and let it gently soften without browning.
  4. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat it in the warm olive oil.
  5. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan, adding a splash of pasta water as needed to help it melt into a silky sauce.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  7. Toss in fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve immediately while it’s warm, glossy, and comforting.