10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta: A Quick and Cozy Weeknight Dinner
Some nights call for comfort without complication. When time is short and energy is low, a simple pasta dish can be the easiest way to bring something warm and satisfying to the table. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, it is possible to create a meal that feels nourishing and homemade, even on the busiest weeknights.
1.
10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta: A Quick and Cozy Weeknight Dinner
When life gets busy, and time is short, this 10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta is exactly the kind of warm, savory meal that brings relief and satisfaction to the table. Made with pantry staples and frozen veggies, it’s incredibly easy to whip up—yet so flavorful it feels like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this quick pasta dish is a dependable go-to you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Ingredient Quantity
Pasta (penne, fusilli, or any shape you prefer) 8 oz
Diced tomatoes (with juice) 1 can (14 oz)
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Frozen peas or mixed vegetables 1 cup
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Optional Toppings:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, torn
Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
Time-saving tip: Start the sauce while the pasta cooks to shave off minutes and get dinner on the table faster.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Vegetables
Pour in the 14 oz can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Stir
to combine with the garlic-infused oil. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
Add the 1 cup of frozen peas or mixed vegetables directly into the skillet. Stir gently, then cover and let the mixture cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and heated through.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the tomato-vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the savory sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto plates. Finish with generous amounts of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Serve warm, and enjoy the comfort of a homemade meal—made in minutes, but filled with flavor and love.
Tips for Success
1. Use Fresh Ingredients When Available
While canned diced tomatoes are perfect for quick meals, fresh cherry tomatoes can be used for a slightly sweeter, more vibrant flavor. Simply halve them and cook for an extra couple of minutes to soften before adding the frozen vegetables.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture, keeping your dish hearty instead of mushy. It also reheats better if you’re planning on storing leftovers.
Tap the p.hoto to v.iew the full r.ecipe.
