Quick and Easy Budget-Friendly Pasta Dish
Overview
Today, I'm sharing with you a quick and easy recipe for a budget-friendly pasta dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, and it's incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
For this pasta dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (any variety will work)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 can (14-ounce) of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously to flavor the pasta as it cooks. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
Next, add the diced tomatoes and their juices to the skillet. Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. If needed, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Garnish
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine. Once the cheese has melted and everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from the heat.
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Enjoy Your Meal!
There you have it – a quick and easy budget-friendly pasta dish that's perfect for any night of the week. This simple yet delicious recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!