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Easy Pasta Recipe

Name: Easy Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or pasta (Barilla, De Cecco, or whole wheat); 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (San Marzano or store brand); 1 Tbsp tomato paste (brands like Cento add depth); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick); 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or veggie broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended); 1 tsp dried basil (or a handful of torn fresh basil leaves); Salt & pepper (to taste); Parsley or extra basil (chopped, for garnish)

Satisfy your family’s appetite in under 30 minutes with this comforting, one-pot Easy Pasta Recipe.

Ever since my kids were little, weeknight dinners had to be quick, simple, and—most importantly—delicious. This homemade pasta dish checks all the boxes: tender noodles bathing in a creamy-tomato sauce, just the right hit of garlic and herbs, and zero fancy gizmos required. You can swap in whole grain pasta for extra fiber, or go classic Italian with semolina noodles and San Marzano tomatoes. Honestly, it feels fancy but comes together like your favorite comfort meal. Pair it with a green salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a family-friendly dinner that tastes like a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pasta Recipe

• One-pot magic (fewer dishes = more time for you)
• Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
• Creamy yet light: uses a splash of Greek yogurt or cream
• Purely homemade flavor without hours of simmering
• Family-approved—even picky eaters ask for seconds
• Flexible: swap veggies, protein, or pasta shape
• Feels indulgent, but you control the ingredients
• Great for meal prep: reheats beautifully

Ingredients for Your Easy Pasta Recipe

• 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta (Barilla, De Cecco, or whole wheat)
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (use fresh for the best punch)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (San Marzano or store brand)
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste (brands like Cento add depth)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken or veggie broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
• 1 tsp dried basil or a handful of torn fresh basil leaves
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or extra basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions for the Easy Pasta Recipe

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook 1–2 minutes less than package instructions—this helps noodles finish cooking in the sauce.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Toss in onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let the garlic brown).
4. Mix in tomato paste, coating the onions and garlic. Then pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom—it’s flavor gold.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cream (or yogurt). Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Add noodles directly to the sauce, tossing gently. If it seems too thick, stir in a splash of reserved water until the sauce clings beautifully.
7. Sprinkle in Parmesan and dried basil, tossing everything together. Taste, then season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with parsley or fresh basil. Serve straight from the skillet for that cozy, rustic vibe.

Tip: Use tongs to swirl the pasta in the sauce—that way each strand picks up every bit of flavor.

Servings & Timing

Makes 4 generous servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spinach & Mushroom: Sauté mushrooms and baby spinach with the onions.
• Pesto Swirl: Stir in 2 Tbsp basil pesto at the end for a bright twist.
• Spicy Arrabbiata: Double the red pepper flakes and add a pinch of cayenne.
• Cheesy Alfredo: Swap tomatoes for extra cream, butter, and Parmesan.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheese.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or chickpeas.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions (without cheese) for up to 1 month—thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive creaminess.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble sauce up to 2 days ahead; finish with pasta just before serving.

Notes

• I learned that letting the noodles finish cooking in the sauce really amps up flavor.
• For extra silky texture, add cream at the very end off the heat.
• If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip the tomato paste step or use crushed tomatoes.
• Swap the herbs: oregano, thyme, or rosemary each bring a new profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely! Just follow package cooking times and watch the texture—some brands cook faster.

Q: Why finish pasta in the sauce?
A: It allows starch to release, creating a glue-like coating that helps sauce stick.

Q: My sauce is too thin—how do I thicken it?
A: Let it simmer a few extra minutes uncovered or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.

Q: Can I skip the cream?
A: Yes; use extra Parmesan or a dollop of Greek yogurt off the heat for richness without dairy.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: Mild by default—red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth. Adjust to taste or omit entirely.

Q: What’s the best pasta shape?
A: Long noodles like linguine work beautifully, but penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all soak up sauce well.

Q: Any make-ahead advice?
A: Keep sauce separate from pasta; mix them just before serving to avoid mushy noodles.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Sure—bell peppers, zucchini, or peas can join in at step 2 with the onions.

Conclusion

This Easy Pasta Recipe brings together creamy, tangy, comforting flavors without any fuss—perfect for busy families and solo cooks alike. Give it a whirl this week, then drop me a note or photo in the comments below. Hungry for more? Check out my One-Pot Lemon Chicken Pasta or my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup next!