Simple 7-Ingredient Recipe

Pantry Power Pasta Pesto

A savory, garlicky pasta dish that's creamy, zesty, and ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for when you need dinner fast with zero shopping.

Ingredients (serves 2):

1. Spaghetti (8 oz)
2. Olive oil (3 tbsp)
3. Garlic (4 cloves)
4. Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated)
5. Lemon (1, juice and zest)
6. Salt (1 tsp)
7. Black pepper (½ tsp)

Instructions:

1. Boil a pot of salted water. Add spaghetti and cook according to package (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, mince garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, salt, and pepper; sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant (don't brown).
3. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and reserved pasta water. Simmer 1 minute to create a light sauce.
4. Add drained spaghetti to skillet. Toss to coat, adding a bit more pasta water if needed for creaminess. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and glossy.
5. Serve hot, with extra pepper on top.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 17 minutes