This pasta proves that you don’t need cream to get a rich, satisfying sauce. Garlic, olive oil, and starchy pasta water come together in minutes and cost next to nothing.
Difficulty
Easy
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes
Servings
2 portions
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender.
- Before draining, scoop out a mug of the cooking water.
- Thinly slice the garlic.
- Warm the olive oil in a wide pan over low heat.
- Add the garlic and let it soften slowly until fragrant, not browned.
- Add a ladle of pasta water to the pan and stir to create a light sauce.
- Transfer the pasta straight into the pan.
- Add more pasta water if needed and toss until glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
- Finish with black pepper and parsley, taste, and adjust salt.
Tips
The pasta water does the job of cream — use it generously.
If the sauce tightens, add more hot water instead of oil.
Also worth trying: Quick Salmon and Pea Pasta, Creamy Tortellini in Quick Parmesan Sauce, Fast Zucchini & Gorgonzola Pasta
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