Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes (like mini shells or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream (substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (use cheddar or a blend for variety)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked peas or finely chopped spinach for added veggies
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned—Mama Lou always said burnt garlic is a kitchen sin!
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the garlic. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add dried basil and oregano, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slowly stir in the milk or cream, creating a creamy tomato sauce. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can add less cream or substitute with milk.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. This step always reminds me of the way Ouma’s eyes lit up when she saw the cheese stretch as she took her first bite.
- If you’re adding peas or spinach, fold them in now, letting the residual heat warm the veggies through.
- Serve immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Mama Lou always said the final sprinkle of cheese is like a kiss goodbye, a little extra love on every plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
