In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding a quick yet delicious dinner option can be a real challenge. But fear not! We've got a fantastic solution for you - a 20 - minute pasta recipe that only calls for five simple ingredients. This recipe has emerged as one of the easiest dinner recipes from our Test Kitchen, and it's bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Let's start by gathering the necessary ingredients. You'll need some high - quality pasta, a can of crushed tomatoes, a bit of olive oil, a clove of garlic, and a handful of chopped chives. These ingredients are not only easy to find in your local grocery store but also quite affordable, making this recipe budget - friendly as well.
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta. The type of pasta you choose is up to you - whether it's penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, each will work well in this recipe. Set a timer for the recommended cooking time on the pasta package. While the pasta is cooking, we can move on to preparing the sauce.
Take a medium - sized skillet and heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can give a bitter taste to your sauce. After the garlic is fragrant, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine the tomatoes and the garlic. Let the sauce simmer gently while the pasta continues to cook.
As the sauce simmers, it will start to thicken and develop a rich, savory flavor. You can season the sauce with a bit of salt and pepper according to your taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give your sauce a nice kick.
When the pasta is al dente, which means it's cooked but still has a slight firmness to it, drain it in a colander. Reserve a little bit of the pasta cooking water, as this can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce later. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
At this point, your pasta is almost ready to be served. But there's one final touch that will take this dish from good to great. Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of chopped chives over the top of the pasta. The bright green color of the chives not only adds a pop of color to the dish but also a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the rich tomato sauce and the pasta perfectly.
This 20 - minute pasta recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it according to your preferences. For example, you can add some cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a more protein - rich meal. Or, if you're a vegetarian, you can add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
It's also a great recipe for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of this pasta and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Then, when you're short on time and need a quick dinner, you can simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. It's a convenient and delicious option for busy weeknights.
In conclusion, this simple five - ingredient, 20 - minute pasta recipe is a winner. It's easy to make, affordable, and customizable. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to impress. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, give this pasta recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
