Cheap and Tasty Pasta Recipe

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your **pasta** and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
– Before draining, be sure to reserve **1/2 cup of pasta water**. This starchy water will be used later to help bring the sauce together.

#### 2. **Prepare the Garlic and Oil Base:**
– While the pasta is cooking, heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add the **minced garlic** (and **chopped onions**, if using) and sauté for about **1-2 minutes**, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
– If you like a little heat, add **red pepper flakes** to the oil at this point to infuse the oil with some spicy flavor.

#### 3. **Toss the Pasta:**
– Once the pasta is done, drain it, but remember to reserve some of the pasta cooking water.
– Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic and oil mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta in the flavorful oil.
– Pour in the **reserved pasta water** a little at a time, stirring constantly. This helps the sauce come together and coat the pasta evenly, creating a smooth texture.

#### 4. **Add the Finishing Touches:**
– Stir in the **Parmesan cheese**, allowing it to melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. If the pasta seems too dry, you can add a little more pasta water or a splash of extra olive oil.
– Season with **salt** and **black pepper** to taste. Add any fresh or dried herbs you like, such as basil, parsley, or oregano, for an added layer of flavor.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Plate the pasta and top with more **grated Parmesan cheese** if desired. Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.
– Serve this easy and flavorful dish with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete, satisfying meal.

### Why This Cheap and Tasty Pasta Recipe Works:

1. **Affordable Ingredients**: This recipe uses basic pantry staples that are inexpensive and easy to find. With just a few simple ingredients—pasta, olive oil, garlic, and cheese—you can create a meal that tastes much more expensive than it actually is.

2. **Quick and Easy**: It takes less than 30 minutes to make this dish from start to finish, making it the perfect option for busy weekdays or when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

3. **Customizable**: The beauty of this pasta recipe is that you can easily adapt it to your taste and dietary preferences. You can add vegetables (like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini), proteins (such as grilled chicken or sausage), or other seasonings to make it your own.

4. **Packed with Flavor**: Even though this recipe is simple, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese creates a savory, satisfying sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

5. **Great for Leftovers**: This pasta dish reheats beautifully, so if you have any leftovers, you can easily enjoy them the next day. Just add a little more olive oil or water to bring the sauce back to life.

### Tips for the Best Cheap and Tasty Pasta:

– **Use Pasta Water**: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! It’s the secret ingredient that helps thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta. The starch in the water helps create a velvety, cohesive texture.

– **Experiment with Cheeses**: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up. **Pecorino Romano**, **asiago**, or even a bit of **mozzarella** can add different textures and flavors.

– **Go Vegan or Dairy-Free**: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can leave out the Parmesan and substitute it with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.

– **Add Protein or Veggies**: While this recipe is simple and minimalist, you can easily make it heartier by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables. You can even toss in some canned beans for a vegetarian option.

– **Make It Creamy**: For a richer, creamier version, stir in a spoonful of **heavy cream** or a dollop of **cream cheese** after adding the pasta water. This will create a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

### Conclusion:

This **Cheap and Tasty Pasta Recipe** is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal. With minimal ingredients, quick prep time, and a taste that rivals expensive dishes, it’s a winner in any kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this pasta will hit the spot every time. It’s a perfect go-to meal for when you want something simple yet delicious, and it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.