Save A quick, flavorful pasta dish made with minimal ingredients for maximum taste and minimal effort.
I often whip up Lazy-Girl Pasta after work when I want something hearty but don’t have the energy for elaborate cooking—it never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g dried spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Sauce: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (finely sliced), 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 100 g cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 tsp salt, freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Finishing: 20 g grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving), handful fresh basil leaves (torn, optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Prepare garlic and oil:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook sauce:
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring, until tomatoes soften.
- Combine pasta:
- Add drained pasta to skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water for a silky sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning. Serve topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Save 
Save My sister still asks for this pasta whenever she comes over—it’s become a weeknight favorite in our kitchen.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, and wooden spoon make preparation and cleanup simple.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 430 calories, 16 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 14 g protein.
Diet & Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian as written: swap Parmesan for a vegan alternative if desired. Try with baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.
Save 
Save Make Lazy-Girl Pasta your own by adding seasonal veggies or switching up the cheese—it’s designed to be effortless and tasty.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook garlic on medium heat and stir constantly until fragrant, about one minute. Avoid browning to keep its mild flavor.
- → Can I substitute dried pasta with fresh pasta?
Yes, fresh pasta cooks faster and works well with this sauce. Adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- → What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
Regular tomatoes chopped into small pieces work as a good alternative, though juice release and sweetness may vary.
- → How does reserved pasta water help the sauce?
Starchy pasta water binds ingredients, creating a smooth, silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
- → What herbs complement this dish best?
Fresh basil adds a bright aroma, but parsley or oregano can be used to vary the flavor profile.