Description
Whether you’re basking in summer or bundled up in winter, this one-serving pasta is your go-to comfort meal. With flexible ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect solo recipe for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 100g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 handful baby spinach or kale
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Optional add-ins: sun-dried tomatoes, cream, lemon zest, chili flakes, grilled chicken, or chickpeas
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water and drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and shallots for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes (or sun-dried/canned tomatoes for winter). Cook 5–7 minutes until soft.
- Stir in spinach or kale until wilted. Add drained pasta and mix. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add Parmesan if using. Top with fresh herbs and optional zest or chili flakes.
Notes
For a lighter summer dish, add lemon zest and fresh veggies. For a cozier winter version, try cream, sun-dried tomatoes, or shredded chicken. Cooking for one never tasted this good.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pasta, one-pan, seasonal, easy dinner, solo meal