I was visiting out of town recently and had to come up with something quick for dinner using only what was at hand. This required a great deal of creativity, I can assure you. But "creative" is not always synonymous with "difficult." Here are two delicious, easy pasta recipes that will make you look like a creative genius:

SPAGHETTI CON AGLIO E OLIO

(Spaghetti with garlic and oil)

This dish is very popular in Italy and it is one of the simplest to make.

1 lb spaghetti
6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve (optional)

Cook spaghetti in a large pan of rapidly boiling salted water.

In a large frying pan heat the oil and gently saute the garlic until it is barely golden. Do not let it brown or it will taste bitter. Stir in the parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat until pasta is ready.

Drain pasta when it is barely al dente, making sure to reserve a couple of tablespoons of the cooking water to use in the sauce. Tip it into the pan with the oil and garlic, and cook together for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring well to coat the spaghetti with the sauce. Serve at once in a warmed serving bowl, sprinkled with Parmesan, if desired.

Serves 4

Or you can try this one, almost as popular and just as easy:

PASTA CACIO E BURRO
(Pasta, Cheese and Butter)

1 pound spaghetti or other long thin pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, (or both, if you prefer)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Cook the spaghetti in lightly salted water until al dente.

Melt the butter and grate the cheese. (The stuff in the cans is okay, but fresh is better.)Drain the pasta, reserving a couple of tablespoons of the cooking water, and dump it into a warm serving bowl. Stir in the reserved water, the butter, cheese, salt and pepper, and serve.

Serves 4

Mangia bene!

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