I make a fast (or faux) pesto while pasta is cooking.

1. Press garlic in a mug, add basil, fresh ground pepper and salt. Crush on pine nuts if I have any.
2. Cover with olive oil and give it a little stir.
3. Grate parmesan cheese and mix it in.
4. Some more parmesan cheese.
5. And don’t forget the parmesan cheese.

Drain pasta, mix in pesto, enjoy. Can also be fancied up with your mentioned fancies or some olives or marinated peppers or artichokes.