Quick Italian Pasta Salad
A robust and efficient Italian-inspired pasta dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring al dente rotini or penne pasta tossed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and finished with fresh parmesan cheese. This versatile side dish relies on simple pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality flavor profile that is both savory and satisfying for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz rotini or penne pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat.
Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta, ensuring to reserve two tablespoons of the cooking liquid.
Melt the butter in the same pot used for boiling the noodles over medium heat.
Whisk in the garlic powder and the reserved pasta water to form a light emulsion.
Return the drained pasta to the pot and toss thoroughly to coat each piece.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the mixture while stirring continuously until melted.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
For the best texture and flavor, use high-quality freshly grated parmesan cheese. Reserving the pasta water is essential to creating a cohesive, creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. This dish can be served warm as a main or side, or chilled as a pasta salad.
Find it online: https://albertrecipes.com/quick-italian-pasta-salad/