I remember the first time I opened a pot of boiling pasta and the kitchen filled with that warm, wheaty smell. The sound of water bubbling felt like a small celebration. My kids would peek in, noses wrinkled, asking if dinner was almost ready.
This simple pasta recipe gives you exactly that feeling. It is quick, comforting, and forgiving. It lets you feed a hungry family on busy nights while still feeling proud of what you serve.
Why this works
This pasta is honest food. It needs just a few good ingredients and a little attention. For families, it is a lifesaver because it cooks fast and pairs with almost anything you have in the fridge.
I have made versions of this dish for school nights, impromptu guests, and sleepy Sunday lunches. It holds up well, reheats easily, and children usually love it. The process saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Because it uses pantry staples, you can scale it up or down and still get consistent results. That predictability is a huge win when you want a stress-free meal.
Process Overview
“This is where the magic happens—when the aroma fills the kitchen.”
The technique is simple: cook the pasta, drain it, dress it in olive oil, finish with a pinch of salt, and serve. Each step is straightforward, and the order matters.
I focus on timing and texture. Cook the pasta to al dente so it still has bite. Toss the pasta in warm oil so it keeps its shine and does not stick. Taste and adjust salt last because the cooked pasta absorbs seasoning differently than the cooking water.
This method is fast, reliable, and perfect for busy families. It is also a base for endless variations if you want to add vegetables, proteins, or a favorite sauce.
Ingredients
Sal a gosto
Sal a gosto means salt to taste. Use a generous pinch in the pasta cooking water so the noodles absorb seasoning while they cook.
Lily tip: I use about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt for 4 quarts of water when cooking 8 to 10 ounces of pasta. Start with less on the table and let family members add more if they want.
250 g de macarrão
This is about 250 grams of dry pasta. In US terms, that is roughly 8.8 ounces, close to a 9-ounce package. For long pasta like spaghetti, that feeds 3 to 4 people as a main dish.
Lily tip: If you need a visual, 250 g of spaghetti is about a heaping handful per adult. For kids, reduce slightly. I sometimes measure with a kitchen scale for consistency.
Azeite a gosto
Azeite a gosto means olive oil to taste. Use a good extra virgin olive oil for the best aroma and flavor.
Lily tip: Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons for 250 g of pasta. If you want a silkier finish, add another tablespoon. For deeper flavor, gently warm the oil with a smashed garlic clove and then remove the garlic before tossing.
Directions
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Cozinhe o macarrão em água salgada até ficar al dente.
- Encourage note: Watch the cooking time on the package and taste a strand a minute or two early. Al dente means tender but with a slight bite. Your family will notice the texture.
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Escorra o macarrão e reserve.
- Encourage note: Save a half cup of the pasta water before you drain. It is a little trick that helps if you want to loosen the sauce or make the oil cling to the noodles.
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Em uma panela, aqueça o azeite e adicione o macarrão cozido.
- Encourage note: Warm the oil over low heat so it becomes fragrant but does not smoke. Toss the pasta gently to coat every strand. This step warms the noodles and marries the flavors.
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Misture bem, ajuste o sal se necessário, e sirva quente.
- Encourage note: Taste before serving. Add a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or extra olive oil if the family likes it richer. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Each step is short, and each step builds on the last. That makes it easy to teach older children to help, which I recommend. Let them measure the pasta, stir gently, or set the table while you finish the dish.
Serving
Serve this pasta family-style in a large shallow bowl or a big serving platter. Let everyone help themselves so the meal feels relaxed and communal.
I like to add a simple salad on the side and a loaf of crusty bread. For kids, I sometimes offer grated cheese or a small bowl of buttered breadcrumbs they can sprinkle on top.
Make it a routine: plates in the center, spoons for serving, and a casual invitation to pass things around. Sharing food makes the table warm and the meal more than just fuel.
Storage
Leftover pasta stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss it with a little extra olive oil before refrigerating to prevent sticking.
To reheat, warm a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or reserved pasta water, and toss the pasta until it steams through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
For longer storage, freeze cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen by adding to simmering broth or sauce so it warms evenly.
Food safety tip: Keep refrigerated leftovers below 40 °F and reheat to at least 165 °F before serving to the family.
Kitchen Notes
- Use plenty of water when boiling. Pasta needs room to move so it cooks evenly.
- Salt the water generously. It seasons the pasta from the inside.
- Save a small cup of cooking water. The starches help emulsify oil or sauce.
- Warm the oil gently for better flavor without burning it.
- Teach kids to help with safe tasks like stirring or setting the table.
These shortcuts save time and improve the final plate without extra fuss.
Variations
- For picky eaters: Add a pat of butter and a sprinkle of grated cheese. Many kids prefer simple flavors.
- For protein: Toss in canned tuna, shredded rotisserie chicken, or browned Italian sausage.
- For veggies: Fold in steamed broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- For a vegan option: Use olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Add toasted pine nuts for texture.
- For low-carb: Use vegetable noodles or a smaller portion of pasta with a hearty topping of roasted vegetables.
Each variation keeps the same core technique so you can adapt quickly to dietary needs and preferences.
FAQ
Q: How long should I boil 250 g of pasta?
A: Follow the package time and taste it a minute or two before the lower end. Typically 8 to 11 minutes for most dried pasta. Al dente is the goal.
Q: Can I skip saving pasta water?
A: You can, but the saved water helps sauces cling to the noodles. It is especially helpful when dressing pasta with oil or a light sauce.
Q: Is extra virgin olive oil necessary?
A: Not strictly. Extra virgin gives better aroma and flavor. If you only have a milder oil, it will still work, but the dish will be less pronounced.
Q: How do I prevent pasta from sticking after cooking?
A: Tossing it immediately with oil and stirring gently helps. Also do not overcrowd your serving bowl. Chilled leftovers should be tossed with more oil before refrigerating.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a crowd?
A: Yes. Cook the pasta slightly under al dente, toss with oil, and refrigerate. Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth and finish with a little fresh oil or cheese before serving.
Conclusion
I hope this simple pasta becomes one of your go-to family meals. It is quick, comforting, and flexible enough to please kids and adults alike.
If you want to try a different flavor profile, I recommend experimenting with a peanut sauce twist; a good example is the peanut sauce pasta recipe on Papacapim which gives a sweet and savory alternative. For pantry shopping, a trusted product option is the Barilla spaghetti product page, which I often buy when I need consistent, reliable pasta.
Thank you for cooking with me. Bring the family together, pass the bowl, and enjoy the little sounds and smells that make a house feel like home.
Simple Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Cooking Essentials
- 250 g 250 g de macarrão This is about 250 grams of dry pasta, which is about 8.8 ounces.
- 1 tablespoon Sal a gosto Use a generous pinch of salt in the pasta cooking water. Approximately 1 tablespoon for 4 quarts of water.
- 1-2 tablespoons Azeite a gosto Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the pasta.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cozinhe o macarrão em água salgada até ficar al dente.
- Escorra o macarrão e reserve. Save a half cup of the pasta water before you drain.
- Em uma panela, aqueça o azeite e adicione o macarrão cozido.
- Misture bem, ajuste o sal se necessário, e sirva quente.