10-Minute Skillet Pasta

Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.

I love quick pasta recipes that save time and dishes. This one-pan pasta is my easy go-to for busy weeknights. You can make a tasty meal in just 10 minutes with pantry staples and little effort.

This skillet pasta is great for cooking for yourself or a small family. You can add your favorite proteins and veggies. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

This skillet pasta is a big hit in the kitchen. It’s made for busy cooks, blending convenience with great taste.

1. Fast cooking: Get a tasty meal in just 10 minutes. It’s great for quick dinners when you’re in a rush.
2. Minimal cleanup: With just one pan, you won’t spend much time cleaning. Enjoy your meal more and clean less.
3. Versatile pasta dish: Make it your way or use what you have. It’s perfect for all cooking levels.
4. Pantry staples: You don’t need special ingredients. Just use what you have at home.
5. Scalable servings: It’s perfect for one or many. Just multiply the recipe for big meals or parties.

This recipe is simple yet full of flavor. It’s my top choice for quick, delicious meals. It’s great for any meal, whether it’s just for you or for a crowd.

Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)

I love this recipe because it’s so flexible with pasta ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 ounces dried pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

If you’re missing something, don’t worry. I’ve got some great substitutes for you. If you’re watching your gluten intake, swap regular pasta for a gluten-free option. There are many tasty alternatives made from rice, corn, or quinoa.

For a lighter twist, replace butter with olive oil. It adds a Mediterranean flair to your dish. Vegan? No problem! Try nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives instead of cheese.

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or grate some fresh nutmeg into the mix. These little tweaks can transform your basic skillet pasta into something extraordinary.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Don’t be afraid to try new ingredient substitutions. You might discover a combination you love even more than the original!

Instructions

I start by boiling salted water in a skillet. This method saves time and dishes. Then, I add the pasta and cook it until it’s almost done.

Next, I move the pasta to a pan with butter. I add some pasta water to make a silky sauce. This water helps everything stick together. I gently toss the pasta, letting it cook more while the sauce gets thicker.

When the pasta is just right, I take it off the heat. I sprinkle grated cheese and add black pepper on top. A final toss makes sure every strand is covered in sauce.

1. Boil pasta in salted water until almost al dente
2. Transfer to sauté pan with butter and pasta water
3. Toss gently until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens
4. Add cheese and pepper, toss to coat

This method works for many pasta shapes, but times may change. I always taste it to make sure it’s just right. The one-pan method makes a quick, tasty meal with less cleanup.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

I’ve learned some great pasta cooking tips over the years. Always use a lot of water when boiling pasta to stop it from sticking. Stir your pasta while it cooks to make sure it heats evenly.

It’s smart to save some pasta water. This water is great for making smooth sauces.

Storing leftover pasta is easy. Just put it in a container that seals well and keep it in the fridge for 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet for even heat. Or, the microwave can work too.

• Salt the water generously for flavor
• Don’t add oil to the water – it prevents sauce from sticking later
• Cook pasta al dente for the best texture
• Toss hot pasta with sauce immediately after draining

When reheating pasta, add a bit of water or milk to the sauce. This makes it taste fresh again. With these tips, you’ll get better at cooking and storing pasta quickly!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

This skillet pasta recipe is super versatile! Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a change. You can also pick different shapes like penne or fusilli for fun.

Adding protein is easy. You can add Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or shrimp. For vegetarians, crumbled tofu or chickpeas are great. These add a lot of flavor and make the meal more filling.

Adding veggies is a great idea too! Throw in broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or spinach leaves. They make the dish healthier and tastier. For a creamy touch, add heavy cream or chicken broth instead of water.

Finish your meal with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread. This combo makes a delicious dinner that’s quick to make!