10-Minute Miracle Pasta
Serves 1–2
Ingredients
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8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
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3 tbsp olive oil or butter
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3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
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¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup pasta cooking water
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¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
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Optional add-ins (use what you have):
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Frozen peas or spinach
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Cherry tomatoes
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Leftover chicken, bacon, or shrimp
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A squeeze of lemon
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Instructions
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Boil Pasta (5–8 minutes)
Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining. -
Make the Sauce (2 minutes)
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
Add garlic and chili flakes. Cook just until fragrant (30–45 seconds). -
Bring It Together (1–2 minutes)
Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the pan. Toss to coat.
Season with salt and pepper. -
Finish
Turn off heat. Stir in Parmesan and any optional add-ins.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
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Starchy pasta water = instant silky sauce
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Garlic + fat + cheese = guaranteed flavor
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Endless variations with whatever’s in your fridge
Fast Variations
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Creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese or heavy cream
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Garlic Butter: Use all butter + extra black pepper
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Spicy: Add chili oil or hot sauce
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Protein Boost: Crack in an egg off heat and toss (carbonara-style)
If you want, I can tailor a 10-minute version using what you already have—just tell me what’s in your fridge.