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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Quick Pasta Toss

    April 22, 2020 by LaKita Leave a Comment

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    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Quick Pasta Toss is an easy recipe for those times when you need a meal in a hurry with minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This pantry pasta is perfect to pair with your favorite protein.

    overhead view pantry pasta in white bowl with napkin and forks

    Have you ever just had one of those evenings when you have no idea what you are going to cook for dinner. You search the refrigerator and freezer and find no options or do not have any time to thaw out meat in order to prepare a dish for the family. Or perhaps you just have not had a chance to make it to the grocery store and your cabinets and pantry are looking a little bare. Well if that is the case then a quick and easy pasta toss may be ideal for you.

    This recipe is so simple that anyone can do it and not mess it up.

    I have listed the ingredients, with basic measurements because it really depends on the portions that you need for this dish, it can be made for large or multiple people and servings or just for a single person. Trust me you can eyeball the ingredients and not mess it up, it truly is to your own unique taste. This is my go-to meal when I need something fast and filling because I always have spaghetti or some other pasta on hand.

    This is truly a pantry pasta recipe because you probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry. The recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese, you can use freshly grated or the kind that is in the container. I have tried it with both and either works just fine. I love using fresh parsley and because I always have it on hand, but you can substitute it for dried parsley instead. Again, you truly cannot mess this recipe up.

    What ingredients are needed for this pantry pasta recipe?

    ingredients for the quick pasta toss in small bowls

    1. Spaghetti or any pasta
    2. Olive oil
    3. Garlic
    4. Red pepper flakes
    5. Fresh parsley
    6. Parmesan cheese

    How to make this easy pasta recipe:

    Bring salted water to a boil and add in the pasta. Cook according to package directions or until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, but reserve the pasta water to add to the sauce.

    spaghetti in water in a pot on the stovetop

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add in garlic cooking for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. When garlic becomes fragrant, add in the red pepper flakes and chopped parsley.

    garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley, and olive oil in a skillet

    Add in the cooked pasta and gently toss in the olive oil mixture until evenly coated. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water to your desired level of thickness. For a thinner sauce, add more liquid, for a thicker sauce, add only a small amount of water.

    cooked pasta added to skillet with sauce

    Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to evenly distribute.

    grated parmesan cheese added to cooked spaghetti in skillet

    Serve immediately while still warm. Top with some additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you prefer.

    close up side view of pasta in a bowl

    What to serve with this pasta recipe?

    • Serve some sauteed, baked, or grilled chicken with this recipe.
    • Toss in some seasoned and cooked shrimp to this pasta along with the Parmesan cheese and toss everything together.
    • Add your favorite baked fish recipe on the side of this pasta dish. I love pairing this recipe with a piece of baked salmon.
    • Enjoy this recipe on its own with some additional vegetables. Try adding some sliced grape tomatoes or steamed broccoli.
    pasta in a white bowl topped with chopped fresh parsley

    Quick Pasta Toss

    LaKita Anderson
    Quick Pasta Toss is an easy recipe for those times when you need a meal in a hurry with minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This pantry pasta is perfect to pair with your favorite protein.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 276 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 ounces cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes
    • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Bring salted water to a boil and add in the pasta. Cook according to package directions or until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, but reserve the pasta water to add to the sauce.
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add in garlic cooking for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. When garlic becomes fragrant, add in the red pepper flakes and chopped parsley.
    • Add in the cooked pasta and gently toss in the olive oil mixture until evenly coated. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water to your desired level of thickness. For a thinner sauce, add more liquid, for a thicker sauce, add only a small amount of water.
    • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to evenly distribute. Serve immediately while warm.

    Notes

    May use 1 tablespoon dried parsley instead of fresh. 
    May use freshly grated or packaged Parmesan cheese. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 276kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 519IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 2mg

    *All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

    Keyword pasta toss
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SimplyLaKita or tag #SimplyLakita

    fork over bowl with pasta on it

    Need more pasta recipes? Try these:

    • Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta
    • Lemon Pasta Salad
    • Tomato Basil Pasta 
    • Martha Stewart One-Pan Pasta 

    Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to use this Quick Pasta Toss? Please share them in the comments below!


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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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