Print

Easy Dollar Store Gourmet Pasta Delight

Easy Dollar Store Gourmet Pasta Delight - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and budget-friendly pasta recipe using simple ingredients from the dollar store, delivering a comforting and gourmet-like flavor in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) dry spaghetti or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, fire-roasted if possible
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (use coconut cream for vegan)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Lower heat and slowly stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half. Warm through for 2-3 minutes until sauce is creamy. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors. Add more pasta water if sauce seems dry.
  6. Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and chopped fresh parsley or basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if desired.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta. Avoid burning garlic by cooking over medium to medium-low heat and stirring frequently. For vegan version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Gluten-free pasta options like brown rice or chickpea pasta work well. If sauce separates after adding cream, whisk vigorously off heat to smooth it out.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy pasta, dollar store recipe, quick dinner, budget-friendly, creamy tomato pasta, garlic pasta, family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/easy-dollar-store-gourmet-pasta-delight-recipe-for-quick-delicious-meals/