Meatless Monday: Creamy Tomato Pasta

This is my go-to recipe when I want to switch up my daily routine and don’t want to meal plan on the weekends! I make this when I want something filling and easy to make without much planning. I love this recipe because the sauce is very flavorful and creates a healthy balance as well. I choose this because it’s simple, flexible with add-ins like broccoli, and uses pantry staples I usually have on hand.

This recipe makes two servings.

Ingredients

Base

• 200g pasta (about 2 cups) in your shape of choice
• Olive oil

Sauce

• 1 can (400g or ~14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (or 1 tsp onion powder)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp oregano
• Cheese, grated (of choice)

Optional Add-Ins

• Broccoli florets
• Halved cherry tomatoes

Instructions

1. In a large pot or deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; cook until softened, about two to three minutes. (Skip this step if you’re using the powders.)
2. In a separate pot, boil pasta (and broccoli, if using) with a pinch of salt and one tsp of olive oil. Strain the pasta (and broccoli), but save some of the pasta water.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and milk into the pan with the garlic and onions. Stir in salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and chili flakes. Mix well. Then add heavy whipping cream and cheese and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the pasta and the pasta water in with the sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Cover the pasta and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta has incorporated into the sauce and the sauce thickens. Add a splash more water if the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is done.
6. Add the boiled broccoli and stir.
7. Adjust seasoning as preferred. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated cheese, chili flakes, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs.