Pasta with Olive Oil, Herbs and Parmesan

Total time: 25 minutes
     Simple pasta, tossed with a fruity olive oil, some herbs and an optional bit of garlic.  Finish it with some freshly grated Parmesan and you have a side dish worthy of the most discriminating palate.  In summer I use lots of fresh herbs; in winter I use dried and add the garlic.

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup (3.3oz, 95gr) dried pasta - fusilli, penne
• 1 tbs good olive oil
• 1/3 cup (1.5oz, 45gr) grated Parmesan - preferably freshly grated
• 1 - 2 tbs fresh herbs   oregano, basil, chives, parsley,   whatever is on hand
•      OR
• 2 tsp dried herbs  oregano, basil, chives, parsley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

 Instructions:

• Cook pasta according to package instructions.  Drain. 
• For summer:
• Put pasta in a bowl, add olive oil, herbs and cheese.  Stir to combine and serve.
  
• For winter: 
• In same pan over medium low heat olive oil.
• Add dried herbs and minced garlic, and sauté for a few minutes. 
• Add drained pasta, toss quickly, remove from heat and add Parmesan and serve.