10-Minute Comfort Food: My Grandmother’s Favorite Quick Dinner

This 10-Minute Comfort Food recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights, delivering a warm, satisfying meal with incredible speed. Simple ingredients come together in a savory tomato sauce with tender vegetables, creating a comforting pasta dish that feels like it took hours, but is ready in minutes!

10-Minute Comfort Food

Ingredients:

Optional Toppings:

Instructions:

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (tender yet firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Sauté Garlic While the pasta is cooking, heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The goal is for the garlic to become fragrant, not brown.
3. Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Veggies Pour the 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with their juice) into the skillet with the garlic. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add the 1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies directly to the skillet. Cover the skillet and continue to cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and tender-crisp.
4. Step 4: Combine Everything Toss the cooked, drained pasta into the skillet with the tomato and vegetable mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a spicy kick, add optional red pepper flakes now.
5. Step 5: Serve Divide the comforting pasta dish among bowls or plates. For extra flair and flavor, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients When Possible: While canned tomatoes work perfectly for speed and convenience, if fresh cherry tomatoes are available, swap them in! They add a wonderful burst of sweetness and texture when slightly cooked.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial. It ensures the dish stays hearty and retains a pleasant bite, preventing it from becoming mushy.
• Add Protein: To make this a more filling meal, you can easily incorporate a cooked protein. Stir in cooked chicken (shredded or diced), cooked shrimp (add at the end to warm through), or canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) during Step 4.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well! Double the recipe and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.