10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta
Warm, savory, and soul-satisfying — made with pantry staples and frozen vegetables
Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 2–4
Why This Recipe Works
This quick pasta dish is the perfect solution for busy nights when time and energy are in short supply. It’s comforting, filling, and made entirely from kitchen staples you probably already have. With minimal prep and maximum flexibility, it’s a reliable go-to that you can easily adapt based on what’s in your pantry or freezer.
Ingredients
Pasta & Vegetables
8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or any short shape)
2 to 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, or green beans)
Flavor Base
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for speed)
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved before draining)
Creamy Sauce Options (Choose One or Combine)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
1/2 cup whole milk, cream, or half-and-half
3 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream
Optional Add-Ins
Cooked chicken, canned tuna, or crumbled bacon
A spoonful of pesto or tomato paste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add salt and the pasta. Cook according to package directions, typically about 7 to 8 minutes for short pasta shapes.
During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen vegetables directly to the pot. This will cook the veggies and save you time and dishes.
Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set it aside.
Drain the pasta and vegetables together, then set them aside.
2. Prepare the Flavor Base
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds.
Stir in the dried herbs, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the spices toast for a few seconds to develop flavor.
3. Combine and Create the Sauce
Add the drained pasta and vegetables to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the garlic-herb mixture.
Stir in your chosen creamy element—whether cheese, milk, cream, or cream cheese—and add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes glossy and well blended. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
4. Serve
Divide the pasta between plates or bowls. Garnish with additional cheese, herbs, or black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Garlic Alfredo
Use cream and Parmesan for the sauce. Add extra garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
Tuna Melt-Inspired Pasta
Stir in a drained can of tuna and a handful of shredded cheddar. Add a little lemon juice for balance.
Chicken and Veggie Pasta
Add shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for added protein.
Pesto Twist
Add a spoonful of pesto and top with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.
Freezer:
Not recommended. Creamy pasta sauces and cooked pasta do not freeze well and may develop a grainy texture when reheated.
Tips for Success
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, and shells cook quickly and hold the sauce well.
Always reserve pasta water. Its starch content helps bind and thicken the sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end, especially after adding cheese or cream.
For a lighter version, use olive oil and a splash of milk instead of heavier creams or cheeses.
A bit of lemon zest or juice can brighten the whole dish and cut through the richness.
This simple, cozy recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few pantry ingredients and less than 10 minutes, you can create a warm, flavorful meal that satisfies deeply — whether you’re dining solo, feeding kids, or just trying to keep dinner easy and stress-free.
