Ever find yourself staring into the pantry, hoping dinner will magically make itself? You’re not alone. That’s where a great pasta shape, like campanelle, comes to the rescue. Those little bell-shaped beauties, sometimes called “gigli,” are my secret weapon for a fast, fuss-free meal. Their ruffled edges and cone shape are perfect for cradling every last bit of sauce, from a rich tomato base to a light olive oil drizzle. It’s comfort in a bowl, no fancy skills required.
Flavorful Mushroom And Tomato Pasta Ideas
There’s something so, so comforting about the combination of earthy mushrooms and sweet, bright tomatoes. It’s a classic for a reason. For this recipe, we’re building deep flavor by sautéing cremini mushrooms until they’re beautifully browned and golden. We’ll then create a quick, vibrant sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes that burst and mingle with garlic, herbs, and a splash of vegetable broth. Tossing this glorious sauce with campanelle pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan creates a dish that feels both rustic and elegant. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a weeknight superstar.
Delicious Tomato-Based Pasta Dishes
I’m a firm believer that a great tomato sauce is the heart of the kitchen. For our campanelle, we’re keeping it fresh and fast. No need to simmer for hours! We’ll start with a base of sautéed garlic and shallot, then let juicy cherry tomatoes collapse right in the pan. A good glug of vegetable broth and a dash of balsamic vinegar add a rich, savory depth that makes the sauce incredibly flavorful. Finished with fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes, it’s a simple yet stunning tomato-based pasta dish that comes together in about the time it takes to boil water.
Variations & Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have cremini mushrooms? Use whatever you have on hand—button or shiitake work great. For a protein boost, stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans at the end with the spinach. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast is a fantastic stand-in for the Parmesan cheese, offering a similar savory note. And if campanelle is hard to find, don’t worry! Fusilli, farfalle, or penne will all happily catch all that delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This pasta stores beautifully for busy weeks ahead. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet with the leftover pasta and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This helps loosen the sauce and prevents it from drying out. You can also microwave it in a covered container with a tablespoon of water, stirring every 30 seconds. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the pasta and fresh tomatoes can become a bit mushy upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions for Pasta Lovers
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a little something on the side never hurts. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a lovely peppery contrast. Some warm, crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable for sopping up any extra sauce. So good. For a heartier spread, consider serving it alongside some simple spinach ravioli or cheese-filled spinach tortellini with a light butter sauce.
Pairing Wines and Sides with Your Dish
When it comes to wine, you want something that complements the acidity of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the mushrooms. A medium-bodied Italian red like a Chianti or a Sangiovese is a perfect match. If you prefer white wine, a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with its crisp, citrusy notes works beautifully. And for a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a cherry-infused iced tea are both delightful and refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely! While campanelle is fantastic for holding sauce, other short shapes like fusilli or rigatoni work well too. I’d avoid long strands like spaghetti for this particular recipe.
- How can I make this dish creamier? For a richer, creamier tomato sauce, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese right at the end of cooking.
- My cherry tomatoes aren’t bursting. What should I do? If your tomatoes are being stubborn, just cover the skillet for a few minutes. The steam will help soften them up so they release their juices and create that wonderful fresh pasta with breadcrumbs & tomato sauce texture.
I hope this becomes a trusted recipe in your rotation, a go-to for those nights when you need something satisfying without the stress. Campanelle pasta recipes are truly a joy to make, and this mushroom and tomato version is a family favorite for a reason.
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Easy Campanelle Pasta Recipes for Comforting Weeknight Meals
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Campanelle Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce is cozy, satisfying, and easy enough for weeknights. The pasta’s fluted edges scoop up every bit of the rich, velvety sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of cream. Finish with fresh basil and Parmesan—perfection!
Ingredients
▢ 12 oz campanelle pasta
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
▢ 1 tablespoon tomato paste
▢ ½ teaspoon dried oregano
▢ ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
▢ ½ cup heavy cream
▢ ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
▢ Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the campanelle pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
4. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
5. Add drained pasta to the sauce along with Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
6. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
• Campanelle pasta holds creamy or chunky sauces beautifully—feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken for variation.
• You can sub Greek yogurt or half-and-half for the heavy cream in a pinch.
• This recipe is vegetarian and can be made gluten-free with GF pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
