Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick yet delicious pasta dish that can be ready in under 30 minutes? This easy weeknight pasta recipe is perfect for those busy weekdays when you want to treat yourself without spending too much time in the kitchen.

This simple and hearty meal features al dente spaghetti paired with a light but flavorful garlic butter sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. It’s the kind of dish that can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight, making it an excellent option for busy schedules or when you need a quick dinner idea at any time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
2. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it begins to turn golden but not browned.
3. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, increase the heat to high, and cook until the tomatoes break down into a sauce consistency. This should take around 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the reserved pasta cooking water little by little to the skillet while stirring continuously. Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, turn off the stove and stir in half of the chopped basil leaves.
5. Transfer the spaghetti from the pot into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the warm sauce. If it’s too dry, add more reserved cooking water or a bit of olive oil to achieve your preferred consistency.
6. Serve immediately on plates with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese (if using). This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for an additional treat!

Cooking Time and Servings

This pasta dish takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare, including the cooking time of the spaghetti. It serves 4-6 people depending on how much you would like to enjoy per serving.

Why This Recipe Works Well for a Busy Night?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quick preparation. With only a few ingredients that you might already have on hand, it's perfect for those nights when you want something special without the stress of a complicated meal or a long cooking process.

Health Benefits

This dish is rich in vitamins C and A from tomatoes and basil respectively, as well as fiber provided by whole wheat pasta. It’s also low in fat thanks to the use of olive oil instead of butter and fresh herbs instead of salt-heavy seasonings like soy sauce or chicken broth.

Tips for Success

• For best results, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil which will add depth and richness to your sauce.
• Cook the pasta al dente as it allows for better absorption of flavors from the garlic butter sauce.
• If you're a fan of stronger flavors, you can increase the amount of garlic or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the tomatoes.

Conclusion

An easy weeknight pasta recipe like this one is not only comforting but also nutritious and satisfying. It offers the perfect balance between taste and convenience making it ideal for busy evenings where you just need something delicious without much effort. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this dish will surely impress your family or friends while keeping things simple yet delightful.