Simple 7-Ingredient Recipe

Pantry Power Pasta
One‑pot, 7‑ingredient comfort dish that turns a handful of staples into a rich, flavorful pasta bowl.

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Ingredients (all pantry‑friendly)

#	Ingredient	Approx. amount
1	Dry pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)	200 g (≈ 1 ½ cups)
2	Olive oil	2 Tbsp
3	Garlic cloves, minced	3 cloves
4	Canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)	1 cup (≈ 250 ml)
5	Dried basil (or oregano)	1 tsp
6	Parmesan cheese, grated	½ cup (≈ 50 g)
7	Salt & freshly ground black pepper	to taste (≈ ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)

Optional garnish: A handful of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra olive oil.

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta

   • Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
   • Cook the pasta according to package directions (usually 8‑10 min).
   • While the pasta cooks, set a timer for the next steps.

2. Sauté the aromatics

   • In a deep skillet or large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

3. Add the tomatoes

   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 2‑3 minutes.
   • This releases the tomato’s natural sweetness and thickens the sauce slightly.

4. Season

   • Sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce cook for another 1‑2 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse.

5. Combine pasta & sauce

   • Drain the pasta (reserve a little pasta water if you like extra‑sauce “cheese”).
   • Transfer the pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss quickly to coat each strand.

6. Finish with cheese

   • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the hot pasta and toss until it melts into a creamy, glossy finish.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve

   • Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley (if using), and enjoy immediately.
   • The dish can be served as is, or topped with a fried egg for extra richness.

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Estimated Times

Step	Time
Boil pasta	8‑10 min
Sauté garlic & tomatoes	2‑3 min
Combine & finish	1‑2 min
Total active cooking time	≈ 12‑15 minutes
Total from start to plate	≈ 15‑18 minutes

Because the pasta cooks while the sauce simmers, the whole meal can be ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a lazy weekend treat.