Are you stuck for time but need to cook something fast? Then why not make this simple parmesan chili penne pasta? This is the easiest and fastest pasta recipe ever! All you have to do is cook the pasta, pour over some good quality extra virgin olive oil, add parmesan + chili flakes, mix well and you are ready to serve!
Let’s talk a bit more about the main (crucial) ingredients that make this simple parmesan chili pasta so delicious:
Penne pasta – I always go for penne as they are rigged (the cheaper versions aren’t so have a look when buying them) and hollow and that is why they hold sauces well. In this case we only have olive oil and cheese instead of a sauce so it’s quite important to have pasta that can hold these well. Fusilli are quite good as well. Now I am not saying that this recipe won’t be good with other pasta I just prefer penne.
Parmigiano Reggiano/ Gran Padano/ Parmesan – if you are lucky to get your hands on parmigiana reggiano (which is the real deal) then go for it! Gran Padano and parmesan are also good alternatives. They are also way cheaper. One more thing regarding the cheese: Try avoiding ready grated cheese. Go for the one that is sold in a block – it will always taste way better than the ready grated one.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a must here. It is as important as the cheese! These two cannot be omitted! The more you add the better!
Dried chili flakes give the dish the much needed kick! It’s up to you how much you add but be careful if you haven’t used them before. You can omit them if you don’t like spicy food!
As you can see this recipe is really easy! The “hardest” part about making simple parmesan chili pasta is to grate the cheese!!! Another plus is that most of the time you don’t actually need to be standing in front of the stove watching the penne cook so feel free to do other things (like spending time with your family).
Yes! It’s that simple and yet delicious!
Note: Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking! You can’t go wrong here!
- 500 g Penne Pasta (1.1lb)
- 220 g Parmiggiano Reggiano (Parmesan or Gran Padano) (7.8oz)
- 6 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Dried Chili Flakes to your taste
- Salt
- Cook the pasta according to packet instructions (in salted water).
- Meanwhile: Grate the parmesan cheese and set aside.
- Once the pasta is ready, drain the water and pour over extra virgin olive oil. Throw in grated cheese, sprinkle with chili flakes and mix well.
- Serve immediately.
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