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Creamy Marinara and pasta

Creamy Marinara with spaghetti is a delicious, easy 20-minute meal. Add a salad and garlic toast, and you’ve got the perfect meal. 

creamy marinara with spaghetti in a gold wide rimmed dish on a wood table top garnished with parsley

I love this meal because it’s quick and easy, and I always have all the ingredients on hand! This meatless sauce comes together with a few pantry and fresh ingredients in minutes!  Don’t have fresh basil and garlic; use dried. My kids love meatless meals, and this one is their favorite, which I am thankful for because I can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. This recipe is easy and forgiving.  The only unforgivable thing is if you don’t make this for your family!

measuring cup of cream, chopped parsley, grated garlic, and a white dish of finely shredded parmesan cheese on a wood cutting board
  • olive oil
  • fresh garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • can of crushed tomatoes
  • can of diced tomatoes
  • sugar
  • red pepper flakes
  • finely grated parmesan
  • heavy whipping cream
  • fresh basil or dried basil
  • salt and black pepper
  • one pound of pasta
Creamy Marinara 20 minute Meal!
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add some dried Italian seasoning and garlic and saute to release the flavors. 
  2. Add two cans of tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes. 
  3. Cook a pound of pasta according to package directions. 
  4. Whisk in heavy whipping cream and parmesan cheese into the tomato sauce. 
  5. When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the sauce. Using tongs, toss the pasta with the sauce. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, and serve!
large pan full of creamy marinara sauce topped with fresh chopped basil. spoon handle is in the lower left hand corner of photo

Is that not a thing of beauty?  You can add any pasta you like to this sauce. I added spaghetti just because it’s what I had on hand, but honestly, any pasta will do the job.

creamy marinara with pasta on a blue plate with garlic toast and a salad on the side for is resting on the bottom right side of the plate

I love to spend hours in the kitchen cooking away to my heart’s content, but honestly, nobody has time for that these days!  More often than not, I’m turning to quick and easy homemade meals to get my family around the table.  I hope Creamy Marinara sends your family to the dinner table, asking for seconds!

I would very much appreciate it if you rate the recipe below in the recipe card. Also follow me on my Instagram, Facebook page, and Tiktok and don’t forget to PIN it!

Thanks for being here! XO Sheila

Creamy Marinara with pasta – 20 minute meal!

Sheila
Comforting quick and easy dinner made with pantry ingredients.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course easy dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 357 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 pot for cooking pasta
  • 1 12" skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 whole garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes add more if you like more heat
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil rough chopped 1 tbsp of dried basil
  • salt and pepper to your taste
  • 1 pound pasta, any variety you like cooked according to package directions

Instructions
 

  • Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. After 30 seconds, add garlic and Italian seasonings and sauté for 1 minute. You do not want the garlic to burn, so basically, just let it get warm.
  • Add the cans of tomatoes, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a low bubble and begins to reduce—approximately 10 minutes. 
  • Turn the heat down to low. Add the cream and parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and incorporated into the tomato sauce. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring over medium heat for a minute, allowing the sauce to adhere to the pasta. Garnish with extra parmesan. 
  • Serve with more parmesan cheese and fresh basil as garnish

Notes

Note:  If you do not have fresh garlic or basil you can substitute 1 tablespoon dried basil = 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder = 2 garlic cloves minced.
Serve with garlic toast and a fresh salad as sides.
This pasta dish also goes well with grilled or baked chicken. 
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 2cupsCalories: 357kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 13gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 797mgPotassium: 613mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 609IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 236mgIron: 3mg
Keyword creamy, easy meal, pasta, tomato sauce, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Mention @eat2gather or tag #eat2gather!

 

Recently I had the opportunity to spend some time with my one of my favorite sponsors the United Dairy Industry of Michigan:

Creamy Marinara & Milk Means More Farm Tour

Several other bloggers and I were lucky enough to go behind the scenes of the Prairie Farms processing plant; where we had the chance to learn about milk quality and safety and see how some of our favorite dairy foods are made!  I was flabbergasted at the care and precision that goes in to the safe processing of milk and other dairy products.  I will never again take for granted a jug of milk, or a carton of cream again!  So much care and hard work goes into safely processing the dairy products that we purchase everyday.

Creamy Marinara & Milk Means More Farm Tour

Next we toured the 5th generation Crandall Family Farm in Battle Creek, where we were shown the behind the scenes of their 365 day dairy operation and enjoyed dinner el fresco on the front lawn!  It was amazing!  Everytime I have the chance to visit a Michigan Dairy farm I leave with a sense of awe at the dedication and hard work that goes into producing safe quality milk for Michigan consumers.

For more information on dairy and amazing recipes follow United Dairy Industry of Michigan on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

Disclaimer:  I am proud to be a part of  blogger network that works with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to help share recipes and ideas on how to incorporated protein and vitamin rich dairy products into your every day meal plan. Thank you for helping support Eat2gather by supporting your local dairy farmers!  

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4 Comments

  1. You’re making me hungry!!! I’m putting this on the menu next week. Love how quickly it comes together, perfect for my busy family!!!

    Blessings to you!
    Chellie