Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsVia Italian TablePlain Pasta Of Your Choice Recipe

Plain Pasta Of Your Choice Recipe

Inspired by Via Italian Table
Time30m
Serves2

with your choice of marinara sauce, butter, alfredo or pesto

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Butter Sauce (optional)

Alfredo Sauce (optional)

Pesto Sauce (optional)

Method

Cook the Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil Water

    In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water.

  2. 2

    Cook Pasta

    Add 2 cups of pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.

  3. 3

    Drain Pasta

    Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce (optional)

  1. 4

    Heat Oil

    In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

  2. 5

    Sauté Garlic

    Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 6

    Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

    Pour in 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

  4. 7

    Simmer Sauce

    Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh basil if desired.

Prepare the Butter Sauce (optional)

  1. 8

    Melt Butter

    In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

  2. 9

    Add Seasoning

    Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and mix well. Add chopped parsley if desired.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce (optional)

  1. 10

    Heat Cream

    In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium-low heat.

  2. 11

    Add Cheese and Seasoning

    Once the cream is warm, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Prepare the Pesto Sauce (optional)

  1. 12

    Blend Ingredients

    In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1 tablespoon of pine nuts, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt to taste.

  2. 13

    Add Olive Oil

    With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1 cup of olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.

Combine and Serve

  1. 14

    Mix Pasta and Sauce

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with your chosen sauce (marinara, butter, alfredo, or pesto). Toss well to coat.

  2. 15

    Serve

    Plate the pasta and garnish with additional herbs or cheese if desired. Enjoy!

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