Craving a comforting bowl of pasta but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen?
You’re in the right place! This easy pasta recipe is beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family.
With only 10 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious homemade meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights, students, families, or anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in just 30 minutes
✅ Simple ingredients you probably already have
✅ Kid-approved and family-friendly
✅ Easy to customize with veggies, proteins, or sauces
✅ Comforting, hearty, and delicious every time
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy pasta recipe:
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano + basil)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity of tomatoes)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Substitutions:
- Swap olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Replace tomatoes with creamy Alfredo sauce for variety.
- Add ground beef, chicken, or turkey for a meaty version.
How to Make Easy Pasta Recipes
Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof pasta dish:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and golden.
- Add garlic & spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, add sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine pasta & sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Finish & serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or ground turkey.
- Veggie twist: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Creamier version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese.
- Spicy kick: Add extra chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Avoid mistakes: Don’t overcook pasta—it should be al dente for best texture.
What to Serve It With
Pair your pasta with these tasty sides:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of red wine for date night 🍷
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan with a splash of water or microwave covered for 2–3 minutes.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
(Nutrition may vary depending on pasta type and add-ins.)
📝 Printable Recipe Card
Easy Pasta Recipe
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total: 30 min | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 300g pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- Fresh basil
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
- Heat oil, sauté onion. Add garlic & spices.
- Add tomatoes, sugar, salt & pepper. Simmer 10 min.
- Toss pasta with sauce.
- Top with Parmesan & basil. Serve hot.
FAQs About Easy Pasta Recipes
1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the sauce in advance and store separately. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
2. What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work great, but any shape will do.
3. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely—skip the Parmesan or use plant-based cheese.
4. How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer to reduce liquid, or add a spoonful of tomato paste.
5. Can I make this in one pot?
Yes! Cook pasta directly in the sauce with extra water/broth for a quick one-pot meal.
Conclusion
This easy pasta recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple pantry ingredients and just 30 minutes, you’ll create a meal that’s versatile, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
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With a background in literature and creative writing, Lucas combines literary elegance with a modern storytelling voice. Whether he’s drafting psychological fiction or tender coming-of-age tales, his storytelling is known for its depth, honesty, and relatability.
Some of his most popular works include “Echoes Between Us”, “The Silence of Rain”, and “Midnight Letters”, each receiving praise for their emotional depth and lyrical prose.
