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Simple Pantry Pasta

Prep 5 min Cook 10 min Difficulty 2/5

A 15-minute pantry-ready spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan—fast, flexible, and easy to customize.

Why this recipe works

Simple Pantry Pasta is a no-fuss spaghetti dish that uses common pantry ingredients for a fast, satisfying meal. It suits anyone wanting a quick dinner from staples—students, busy cooks, or weeknight meals.

Search intent: quick pantry pasta recipe
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  • spaghetti with garlic and olive oil
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Key takeaways

Ready in ~15 minutes with basic pantry staples
Technique: reserve pasta water to make the sauce silky
Flexible—swap cheese or seasonings to match what you have

Recipe guide

Simple Pantry Pasta is a no-fuss spaghetti dish that uses common pantry ingredients for a fast, satisfying meal. It suits anyone wanting a quick dinner from staples—students, busy cooks, or weeknight meals.

Ready in about 15 minutes with only pantry staples.

  • Ready in ~15 minutes with basic pantry staples
  • Technique: reserve pasta water to make the sauce silky
  • Flexible—swap cheese or seasonings to match what you have

Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients: 200 g dried spaghetti, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 50 g grated Parmesan. Equipment: pot for pasta, skillet, tongs, measuring spoons.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Boil pasta in salted water per package until al dente (about 9–11 min). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain. 2) Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add sliced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden—don’t burn. 3) Add drained pasta to skillet, sprinkle salt and pepper, toss and add 2–4 tbsp reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. 4) Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan until silky; adjust with more pasta water, season to taste, and serve immediately.

Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions

Quick tips: keep heat moderate when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness; use reserved pasta water for emulsifying the sauce. Variations: add chili flakes, lemon zest, cooked vegetables, or canned tuna. To increase protein, toss in cooked beans or shredded chicken.

Ingredients

  • 200 g dried spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 50 g grated Parmesan

Instructions

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta? Use any long pasta (linguine, bucatini) or 100–200 g smaller shapes; adjust cooking time per package.
How long does it store and how to reheat? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or oil.
How can I adapt this for dietary preferences or different flavors? Yes—omit Parmesan for vegan, or use nutritional yeast; add chili flakes, lemon zest, or canned tomatoes to vary flavor.