Simple Olive Oil and Herb Penne Pasta
A minimalist Italian pasta dish highlighting quality olive oil and fresh herbs for a light yet flavorful meal that's quick to prepare. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon for pasta water salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water with 1 tablespoon salt to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and just beginning to color.
- Step 3: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy. Season with black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Olive Oil and Herb Penne Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Simple Olive Oil and Herb Penne Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Olive Oil and Herb Penne Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Simple Olive Oil and Herb Penne Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Simple Olive Oil and Herb Penne Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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