Quick and Easy Pasta for One
Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.
You’re hungry and short on time. Good news! You can make a tasty pasta dish for one in just 10 minutes. This quick and easy recipe uses minimal ingredients and equipment, perfect for a solo meal at home or in a dorm room.
You’ll learn how to cook pasta efficiently, create a creamy sauce from the starchy cooking water, and add flavor with butter, cheese, and black pepper. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that you can customize to your taste. Get ready to whip up a delicious pasta dish in no time!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make pasta for one in just 10 minutes:
- 2 oz (56g) dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini work well)
- Salt (about 1 teaspoon for the pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
These simple ingredients are all you need for a quick and tasty meal. You can adjust the amounts based on your preferences. Want it cheesier? Add more Parmesan. Like it extra peppery? Grind away!
Remember, using just enough water to cover the pasta helps concentrate the starch. This starchy water is key for creating a creamy sauce later.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese types too. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be yummy alternatives to Parmesan.
Instructions
Get ready to make a quick and tasty pasta dish just for you! Here’s how to do it:
Boil water: Fill a pot with enough water to cover your pasta. Add a big pinch of salt.
Cook pasta: Drop in a handful of noodles when the water boils. Cook until they’re flexible but not quite done.
Prepare the pan: Put a sauté pan on medium heat next to your pasta pot. Add two pats of butter.
Transfer and finish: Use a pasta fork to move the noodles to the sauté pan. Pour in about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Make it saucy: Cook and toss the pasta until it’s just right. Turn off the heat and add grated cheese to make a creamy sauce.
Season: Grind lots of black pepper over your pasta. Stir and add even more!
Final touches: Taste and add salt if needed. Put your pasta on a plate and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
Now you’re all set to enjoy your yummy pasta meal. Dig in and savor every bite!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem! You can easily swap things out to make this quick pasta dish your own.
Try these pasta alternatives:
- Whole wheat spaghetti
- Gluten-free pasta
- Zucchini noodles
- Spaghetti squash
Out of Parmesan? Use these cheeses instead:
- Pecorino Romano
- Grana Padano
- Asiago
Spice things up by adding:
Want more flavor? Toss in:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach leaves
For extra protein, top with:
- Grilled chicken
- Cooked shrimp
- White beans
Make it creamy by stirring in:
- A splash of heavy cream
- A dollop of ricotta
- A spoonful of mascarpone
These swaps and additions let you customize the dish to your taste. Feel free to mix and match!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Try adding garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be al dente – firm to the bite. This gives it a better texture and helps it hold the sauce better.
Save some pasta water before draining. It’s great for thinning out the sauce if needed.
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to prevent dryness. Warm it in the microwave or on the stove, stirring often.
For a quick lunch, make extra pasta and store it plain. Add different sauces later for variety.
Try these mix-ins for a change:
- Frozen peas
- Canned tuna
- Chopped tomatoes
- Leftover chicken
Remember, pasta is versatile. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, veggies, or proteins to make it your own.
