Simple Pasta With Parmesan

Another stupidly simple side dish made from pantry staples that my family asks for over and over. The savory combination of flavors goes well with many other foods. It can be made with freshly-cooked pasta or with leftover, cooked pasta that has no sauce on it. I've included options for some variations to create not-so-simple but extremely tasty side dishes or complete, one-dish meals by adding ingredients you probably have on hand.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb pasta, cooked (any type)
• 3 -4  tablespoons butter or 3 -4  tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄4-1⁄3 cup  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄8-1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
•  fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Put pasta into a microwavable dish large enough to give you a little room for stirring and tossing.
2. Dot pasta with butter or drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan over top. Add plenty of fresh-ground, black pepper.
4. Heat in microwave on high 3 to 5 minute at a time, stirring frequently, until thoroughly hot.
5. Serve, passing the pepper grinder at the table.
6. You can add 1-2 cups of cooked meat (chicken, turkey, and ham are all especially good), and/or 1-3 cups pre-cooked, chopped vegetables. I particularly recommend broccoli, zucchini, onions, and/or green, snap, or snow peas.