Here are 3 amazing pasta recipes—each with a different vibe, from creamy and comforting to fresh and light, and one with a kick of spice.
1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 300g fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Toss pasta in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
2. Classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Garlic & Oil)
Ingredients:
- 300g spaghetti
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ cup good quality olive oil
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain pasta.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook until golden (do not burn).
- Add chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds.
- Toss in pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt, add parsley, and toss again.
- Serve with optional Parmesan.
3. Spicy Arrabbiata Penne
Ingredients:
- 300g penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (or more if you like it spicy)
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and sugar (a pinch)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes; sauté until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
- Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Toss penne into the sauce and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.