Pasta for One Recipe

4.53 from 283 votes

Indulge in a swift and simple culinary delight with Pasta for One, ready in just ten minutes! This recipe demands no measuring, uses only five ingredients, and scales up effortlessly for more servings.

Cook Time10

Total Time10

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 325kcal

Author: Linda

Equipment

Ingredients

Salt
Dried pasta
Butter
Grated Parmesan or other aged hard cheese
Black pepper

Instructions

Bring a saucepan with a few inches of water and a generous pinch of salt to a boil. Use just enough water to cover the noodles, ensuring a high starch concentration in the pasta water. Utilize this cooking water to finish the pasta, as the starch adds creaminess to the dish.
Once the water is boiling, grab a handful of long noodles about the diameter of a quarter (about 1 inch) and add them to the pot. Cook the pasta until it is flexible, but not all the way to al dente.
Place a 10-inch sauté pan on the stove next to the pot of pasta and set the burner to medium. Add two pats of butter (2 tablespoons) and use a pasta fork to transfer the pasta to the sauté pan.
Pour enough of the pasta cooking water into the sauté pan to come about halfway up the noodles (about 1/4 cup). Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the pasta, tossing occasionally, until al dente (or to your liking).
Turn off the heat and toss with enough grated cheese to absorb the remaining liquid in the pan and form a creamy sauce.
Grind plenty of black pepper onto the top of the pasta. Use a pepper grinder to thoroughly coat the pasta with freshly ground black peppercorns. When you think you've added enough, give it a stir, and then add even more.
Taste and add more salt if needed. Transfer to a plate, garnish with more cheese, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Storage Info:

Store leftover Pasta for One in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the pasta and sauce. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a small amount of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, you can microwave it, covered, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.

Nutrition