Basic Pasta Recipe

Pasta: The main component of the dish, any type of pasta will work, but choose your favorite for the best experience.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and tomatoes, adding a rich and smooth flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Minced garlic provides a strong, aromatic base for the sauce.

Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy element to the pasta.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish; adjust to taste.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth; adjust to taste.

Fresh basil: Chopped basil leaves offer a fresh and aromatic garnish, elevating the dish.

When sautéing the garlic in olive oil, be sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Instead, aim for a light golden color, which will enhance the flavor of the pasta and cherry tomatoes.

• any type of pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a great low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, perfect for a vegan diet.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for cooking.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though the flavor will be slightly less intense.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a more concentrated flavor and can add a different texture to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute for black pepper.

• fresh, chopped basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used if fresh basil is not available, though the flavor will be less vibrant.

• Stovetop method:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover pasta.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a tablespoon of water if the pasta seems dry.
  4. Heat until the pasta is warmed through, usually about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

• Microwave method:

  1. Place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, then stir.
  5. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the pasta is heated through.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

• Oven method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover pasta in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of water or olive oil and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

• Boiling water method:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  2. Place the leftover pasta in a colander.
  3. Dip the colander into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Remove the colander and let the pasta drain.
  5. Toss with a bit of olive oil and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

• Large pot: Used for boiling the pasta according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta.

• Large skillet: Used for heating the olive oil, sautéing the garlic, and combining all ingredients.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the garlic, tomatoes, and pasta to ensure even cooking and mixing.

• Chef's knife: Necessary for mincing the garlic and chopping the fresh basil.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for mincing garlic and chopping basil.

• Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for holding the halved cherry tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.

Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it quickly when needed.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Cherry tomatoes hack: Halve cherry tomatoes using a serrated knife to speed up the process.

Batch chop basil: Chop a large batch of basil and store it in the fridge for multiple uses.

One-pot cooking: Cook the pasta and sauce in the same pot to reduce cleanup time.