Description
A quick and cozy 20-minute pasta dish featuring a creamy tomato-garlic sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Easy to make, customizable, and pantry-friendly, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
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)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add dairy-free milk or heavy cream and nutritional yeast or Parmesan. Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh basil.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Add chickpeas or grilled tofu for extra protein.
Full-fat coconut milk can be used for added richness.
Sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms can be mixed in for variety.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
