Written By Introduction
Looking to upgrade your pantry staples with a simple yet flavorful pasta dish? Look no further! This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Before you can whip up this delicious pasta dish, there are a few ingredients that you’ll need to have on hand. Don’t worry, though — most of these items are pantry staples that you likely already have in your kitchen!
First and foremost, you’ll need a box of spaghetti or another type of long pasta. You can use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if you prefer.
Next, gather some garlic cloves, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. These will form the base for the flavorful sauce.
You’ll also want to have some canned tomatoes on hand — either crushed or diced will work just fine. Fresh cherry tomatoes would be a great alternative as well.
To add some protein to the dish, grab a can of chickpeas or cannellini beans from your pantry. If you’re not vegetarian or vegan, feel free to add some cooked chicken or shrimp instead.
Finish off with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish.
With these simple ingredients at the ready, it’s time to start cooking!
How to Make It
Making this flavorful pasta dish is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Here’s how to make it:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add in drained canned chickpeas and cook for another 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the chickpea mixture, stirring to combine.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top of the dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on how many people you are serving, making it a versatile option for any occasion!
Tips and Tricks
Tips and Tricks:
1. Use high-quality ingredients: The key to making this simple pasta dish shine is by using the best quality ingredients available. Opt for fresh herbs, good quality olive oil, and high-quality Parmesan cheese.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking your pasta al dente is crucial to achieving a perfect texture and flavor in this dish. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully and test it frequently while cooking.
3. Reserve some of the pasta water: Before draining your cooked pasta, be sure to reserve a cup of starchy cooking water. This liquid can help bind together your sauce and add creaminess without having to use heavy cream.
4. Toast your breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch factor in this dish, consider toasting your breadcrumbs with some olive oil or butter before adding them into the mix.
5. Experiment with different types of vegetables: While cherry tomatoes pairs really well with this recipe, don’t be afraid to swap them out for other veggies such as zucchini or mushrooms for a change of pace.
6. Add more garlic if desired: If you love garlic like we do, feel free to add additional cloves when sautéing it in olive oil before tossing it with your cooked spaghetti!
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll have upgraded pantry staples into a flavorful meal that’s both easy-to-make yet sophisticated enough for any dinner party!
Variations
Variations are a great way to add some creativity and variety to your cooking. This simple yet flavorful pasta dish is no exception, as there are many different ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or use up ingredients in your pantry.
One variation you could try is switching out the type of pasta used in the recipe. Penne or fusilli would work just as well if you don’t have spaghetti on hand, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Another option is to add more vegetables into the mix. Chopped bell peppers or zucchini would be delicious sautéed alongside the garlic and onion, while spinach or kale could be wilted into the sauce at the end for added nutrition.
If you’re looking for a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu cubes into the mix. These additions will also help make this meal more filling and satisfying.
Experiment with spices and herbs to find flavor combinations that work best for you. A pinch of red pepper flakes would provide a nice kick of heat, while fresh basil leaves could lend some fragrant sweetness to balance out acidity from tomatoes.
With these variations and others available at your fingertips through experimentation alone; one can elevate their dishes’ taste by trying new things often!
Conclusion
Upgrade Your Pantry Staples with This Simple yet Flavorful Pasta Dish
This simple pasta dish is a perfect way to upgrade your pantry staples and impress your taste buds. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy any hunger pangs. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity as well as its versatility.
You can easily customize the dish by adding different vegetables or proteins depending on what’s available in your fridge or pantry. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!
