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Ingredients
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Base Pasta
Marinara Sauce (optional)
Alfredo Sauce (optional)
Butter & Simple Toppings (optional)
Method
Base Pasta
Cook pasta
Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 12 oz pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered according to package directions for al dente (usually 7–11 minutes depending on shape). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Marinara Sauce (optional)
Sauté garlic
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 clove minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Simmer sauce
Add 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar (if using). Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt or sugar. If sauce seems thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Combine with pasta
Add drained pasta to the saucepan, toss gently to coat for 1 minute. If needed, add up to 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water to loosen. Serve warm.
Alfredo Sauce (optional)
Melt butter and garlic
In a medium skillet or saucepan over low–medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 1 clove minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
Add cream and cheese
Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and warm for 2–3 minutes over low heat until small bubbles form at the edges (do not boil). Stir in 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens slightly, 1–2 minutes. Season with 1 tsp salt and up to 1 tsp black pepper if using.
Toss with pasta
Add drained pasta to the sauce, toss gently to coat. If sauce is too thick, add 1–3 tablespoons reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is reached. Serve immediately.
Butter & Simple Toppings (optional)
Butter toss
Return drained hot pasta to the pot off heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan. Toss until butter is melted and pasta is evenly coated. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons reserved pasta water to loosen.
Finish and serve
Season with 1/2 tsp salt to taste and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley if using. Serve warm. For kids who prefer plain, leave out the cheese and parsley and serve buttered pasta only.