Name: Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk or heavy cream; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan (optional); Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

A quick, cozy bowl of comfort, this Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is the kind of recipe I reach for on busy weeknights. It brings together the deep, bold flavor of garlic with a velvety tomato-based sauce, all clinging beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s simple, satisfying, and ready in just 20 minutes—without skimping on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish balances richness and freshness—thanks to the creamy tomato sauce and aromatic garlic. It’s versatile, allowing me to use whatever pasta I have on hand, and I can easily make it vegan or vegetarian. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, so I can whip it up without a grocery trip. Plus, it’s a one-pan sauce situation, which keeps cleanup minimal and stress-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work well)

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk or heavy cream

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan (optional)

Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. After draining, I make sure to reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water for later.

In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) for about a minute until fragrant.

Then I stir in the crushed tomatoes, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. I let it simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Next, I pour in the dairy-free milk or cream along with the nutritional yeast or Parmesan, stirring well to combine into a smooth, creamy sauce.

I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water helps loosen it perfectly.

I let it all simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the pasta is fully coated and everything is hot and creamy.

Finally, I serve it warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal per serving

Variations

I like to change things up depending on what’s in my kitchen. Sometimes I swap out the dairy-free milk for full-fat coconut milk for extra richness. If I want some protein, I stir in chickpeas or grilled tofu. For a gluten-free version, I use brown rice or lentil pasta. And if I’m in the mood for more veggies, I toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—about 60–90 seconds per serving, stirred halfway through.

Related Recipes:

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this sauce?

I usually use spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, but any shape that holds onto the creamy sauce will work. Even short pasta like rotini or shells is great.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, I use unsweetened dairy-free milk and nutritional yeast to keep it fully plant-based. If I skip the Parmesan, it’s 100% vegan.

Is this dish spicy?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but I adjust it based on my preference—or leave it out completely if I want a milder dish.

Can I freeze this pasta?

While the sauce can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change after thawing. If I plan to freeze it, I store just the sauce and boil fresh pasta later.

What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?

If I’m not keeping it vegan, grated Parmesan works well. Otherwise, I sometimes skip it or add a splash of lemon juice for a bit of brightness.

Conclusion

This Easy and Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is my go-to recipe when I want something quick, comforting, and satisfying with minimal effort. Whether I keep it simple or dress it up with extras, it always hits the spot. It’s one of those dishes I can count on when I need a warm, flavorful meal in a pinch.

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