When time is short but cravings are strong, this 10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta delivers everything you need in one warm, creamy, satisfying bowl. It’s simple, delicious, and comes together with pantry staples—perfect for weeknights when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. I made this once after a long workday, and it instantly became a personal go-to. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready faster than takeout, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta is ideal for busy nights, last-minute meals, or whenever you need something quick and soothing. It uses simple, familiar ingredients but delivers bold, creamy flavor that feels like a warm hug. You’ll love how flexible it is—swap in your favorite pasta shape, add protein or veggies, or enjoy it as-is for the ultimate effortless comfort dish. Best of all, it’s ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for hectic schedules.
Print
10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta – A Quick and Cozy Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta is a quick, creamy, cozy weeknight dinner made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s rich, buttery, garlicky, and coated in a silky Parmesan cream sauce — the perfect last-minute meal that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until warm. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes silky and clings to the noodles.
- Cook for another minute, then taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein.
- For a lighter version, use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Stir in a handful of spinach or peas for added freshness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta (any short shape) – Rotini, penne, or macaroni cook quickly and hold onto the sauce.
Butter – Adds richness and helps create a silky base for the sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the pasta with warm, savory flavor.
Heavy cream or milk – Forms the creamy sauce that makes this pasta so comforting.
Parmesan cheese – Melts smoothly into the sauce for savory depth.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning each layer of flavor.
Paprika or chili flakes – Optional, but adds warmth or heat depending on what you prefer.
Fresh parsley – Adds a bright finish that balances the richness.
Optional add-ins: Peas, spinach, bacon bits, rotisserie chicken, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Directions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions—most short shapes take about 7–8 minutes. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream or milk, stirring until warmed through.
Whisk in grated parmesan and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or chili flakes. If adding vegetables or pre-cooked protein, fold them into the sauce now.
Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of pasta water. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a spoonful of pasta water to loosen it.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the ultimate cozy, creamy comfort meal.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 people. Cooking and preparation take just 10 minutes total.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to refresh the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the dairy-based sauce may separate.
Variations and Customizations
Garlic Alfredo Style – Add extra parmesan and a touch more cream for a richer sauce.
Lemon Pepper Pasta – Add lemon zest and extra black pepper for brightness.
Spicy Cream Sauce – Stir in red pepper flakes, chili paste, or hot sauce.
Veggie Boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
Chicken Comfort Pasta – Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken.
Bacon Lovers’ Version – Add crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Pesto Cream Pasta – Mix in a spoonful of pesto for herby, garlicky depth.
Tomato Cream Twist – Add a spoonful of tomato paste for an easy creamy rosa sauce.
Four-Cheese Pasta – Combine parmesan with mozzarella, cream cheese, or fontina.
Low-Carb Version – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
FAQs
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, use milk or half-and-half; the sauce will be slightly lighter but still creamy.
What pasta cooks fastest?
Small shapes like elbows, rotini, and mini shells cook quickly and evenly.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or shrimp work well.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer briefly or add extra parmesan.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat medium-low and stir continuously.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit any meat add-ins.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes—just follow the cooking times on the package.
What can I serve with this?
Side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet for the sauce.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream and dairy-free parmesan alternatives.
Conclusion
This 10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta proves that cozy, satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated. With its creamy sauce, simple ingredients, and endless customization possibilities, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. Once you try it, it’ll become one of those treasured recipes you turn to again and again when you want something delicious—fast.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!