Quick and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This decadent pasta is the ultimate comfort food made healthy! Whole-grain pasta is tossed in a luxurious tomato sauce that’s bursting with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes and the aroma of basil. A touch of cream or cashew milk creates a velvety texture, making it a family favorite that comes together in just shy of a half hour. Perfect for busy weeknights and easily adaptable for a vegan option!

Ingredients (for 2-4 servings):

• 6 oz whole-grain pasta (e.g., spaghetti or penne)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or unsweetened cashew milk (for vegan)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional, for serving)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4–5 min., stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 min.
5. Lower the heat and add heavy cream or cashew milk, stirring until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Remove from heat and fold in chopped basil. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.