Easy Parmesan Garlic Pasta

This dish is so dang simple, but it will rock your world. It's a classic (6-ingredient) combination of tender pasta, nutty parmesan cheese, tangy fresh garlic, and fragrant basil. Plus there's butter and olive oil to add flavor and sheen, and salt and pepper to bring the whole thing home. In just 20 minutes!

A dish like this is always welcome during a hectic week, am I right? You can serve it as a stellar side dish, or please the crowd with a vegetarian main dish. Either way, it's a slam dunk every time. And, yes, I used dried basil. There are plenty of times when I don't have fresh basil on hand and dried basil makes an excellent substitute. Plus, in THIS dish, I like the way the little basil bits play around with the black pepper on every noodle.

About the cheese: Since we're using a handful of ingredients - and parmesan is one of the key flavors - try to use freshly grated, good-quality parmesan. That doesn't mean you need to break the bank on an imported wedge. Domestic parmesan is much more affordable and equally delicious.

About the garlic: I like to use fresh garlic in this dish (versus garlic powder). But since the garlic is uncooked, I finely grate it, rather than mincing it. That way, you don't get a large piece of garlic in any one bite. If you want, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder.

Easy Parmesan Garlic Pasta

1 pound pasta of choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and ground black pepper

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Add the butter and olive oil and toss to coat and melt the butter. Add the cheese, garlic and basil and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve warm or room temperature.
Serves 4