Pasta with Seasoned Breadcrumbs

Serves 4 as a main dish

This Italian-inspired recipe is super easy and very good as a nice change of pace from the usual pasta. Serve as a light main dish or a simple side dish. Use whatever herbs you prefer or that complement the meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine or capellini

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté another minute or two. Remove from heat; add the cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and add to pan with breadcrumbs. Toss over low heat until pasta is coated. Serve immediately, passing extra cheese.

Notes: If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more olive oil when tossing the pasta. This is great with whole wheat or multigrain bread, as well as pasta. I like it with the cheese, but that can be omitted. The recipe calls for three cups of crumbs, but I have made it with less. You can use as few as one cup, depending on what you want. If serving as a side dish, cut the recipe in half for four servings. I would also consider using a smaller pasta, such as bowties, or breaking long pasta into smaller pieces.