Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
If you’re feeling adventurous or need a substitute, swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano, or add some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
A little secret I’ve learned: if you’re in a pinch, you can add a splash of the pasta cooking water to the sauce for extra creaminess. It’s one of those tricks my dad swore by, and it never fails to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Zesty Pasta Delight, recipe, cooking, food
