Jules Clancy’s go-to simple pasta recipe is pantry cooking at it’s finest.
Text And Photo By Jules Clancy
Having a well stocked pantry is a bit like having a culinary insurance policy. No matter what life throws at you, it always feels more bearable knowing that you have something decent in the house to eat.
But of course there are times when supplies get low and that’s when I turn to this simple pasta dinner. There’s always a half used packet or two to cobble together enough for a meal. 
This is my go-to simple pasta recipe. Dressed simply with olive oil, garlic and a little rosemary from the garden (mine or my neighbors!), it’s pantry cooking at it’s finest.
Printsimple spaghetti with rosemary & garlic
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
If you aren’t lucky enough to grow rosemary or have a neighbour who does, feel free to leave it out or substitute in any other herbs you happen to have access to. If all else fails, a little dried chilli will make a different but delicious alternative.
Ingredients
- 200g (1/2lb) pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large sprig rosemary, leaves picked
- 1–2 cloves garlic, peeled & finely sliced
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook pasta according to the packet directions.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a small saucepan over medium. Add rosemary & garlic and fry until garlic is golden and the rosemary has gone crispy. Remove from the heat.
- When the pasta is cooked, scoop up a mug full of cooking water then drain the pasta well. Return drained pasta to the hot saucepan and add the flavoured oil. Toss, taste and season well. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
Why am I scooping up a mug full of cooked pasta water?
Hi K,
Use the extra pasta water if the pasta seems to dry. Just add a little back in.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Jules
I really enjoyed the pasta, it was perfect for a late afternoon lunch with my old highschool friends. And it made the house smell amazing while it was cooking!! Great work here!
exactly joan! pasta or a can of chickpeas and you’re sorted
I’ve always said that with pasta in the cupboard, there’s always a meal on the table!
I’m going to forward this recipe to my husband. He loves pasta dishes like this.
thanks tamara
yes! it’s hard to go past simple pasta…I could eat this for breakfast too
I love simple pasta meals like this one-my favorite lunch and dinner!