Dish Name: Golden Hour Skillet Pasta

A warm, comforting one-pan meal that transforms simple shelf-stable staples into a rich, savory dinner. The key is simmering the sauce until it thickens, allowing the pasta to soak up every bit of flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Servings: 2

Ingredients (7 Pantry Staples)

1. Dry Pasta (Penne or Rotini work best)
2. Canned Crushed Tomatoes (1 can)
3. Olive Oil
4. Garlic Powder
5. Dried Oregano
6. Salt
7. Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Important: Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Bloom the Spices: While the water heats, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once warm, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Toast for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 5–7 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens.
4. Combine: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce looks too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a creamy consistency.
5. Serve: Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

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Chef’s Note: Water for boiling is not counted in the 7 ingredients. For extra richness, a splash of milk or a pat of butter can be stirred in at the end, but the starchy pasta water works perfectly on its own!