One Pot Pasta is a great option if you don’t have time for cooking on busy weeknights or want to relax on the weekend without spending all day in the kitchen. The fact that this dish can be made in one pot is its biggest benefit. You can make an excellent and satisfying meal quickly and easily with only a few simple ingredients.
One-pot pasta is a perfect weekday dinner if you’re short on time and don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen.
In addition to being full and satisfying this recipe has just only a few basic ingredients and one pot to make.
One of the best things about one-pot pasta is that you can customize it to your liking by including any pasta, vegetables, and protein you have on hand.
This makes it a fantastic way to include more vegetables while using up leftovers or pantry items.
The fact that you can make pasta in one pot and wash fewer dishes at the end of the process is one of the main advantages.
Because everything cooks in the same pot, the pasta comes out flavorful and filled with the flavors of the other ingredients.
It’s important to use enough liquid to make excellent one-pot pasta.
You don’t want to cut back on the liquid as the pasta will absorb it while it cooks.
You can make the necessary liquid by adding water or broth to the pot along with a can of chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce to give the dish a flavorful base.
All in all, one-pot pasta is a quick, versatile, and delicious dinner option that works for any meal.
The next time you’re short on time or looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give it a try whether you’re making for one person or a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of pasta (any type will do, but spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine work best)
- 4 cups of water or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz.)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 cup of chopped vegetables of your choice (mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, etc.)
- 1 cup of protein of your choice (cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, meatballs, etc.)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. To start making the pasta, heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Saute the chopped onions until they turn translucent, which takes around 3-5 minutes.
3. Then, add the minced garlic and saute it for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes, water or broth, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Next, add the pasta to the pot and stir it until it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to low.
6. Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
7. Once the pasta is fully cooked, add the chosen protein and chopped vegetables to the pot.
8. Stir everything together, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the protein is heated through.
9. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Wh
10. When it’s ready, serve the pasta hot and you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like.
Tips:
1. To ensure all ingredients fit well, it is essential to choose a pot of suitable size. For this recipe, a Dutch oven is suggested.
2. To ensure that vegetables cook evenly, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Experiment with different vegetables and proteins to personalize this dish.
4. For a more saucy texture, you can add an extra can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
5. To make the dish creamier, you can add some heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end of the cooking process.
Variations:
1. To give your dish a rich and slightly sweet taste, consider swapping out water or broth with a can of coconut milk.
2. To add some spice, mix in a tablespoon of red pepper flakes.
3. Switch up your meal routine by experimenting with various pasta shapes like penne or farfalle.
4. To increase your protein and fiber intake, incorporate a can of rinsed and drained beans such as chickpeas or white beans.
5. For a different flavor, try using different herbs and spices like thyme or smoked paprika.
What to Serve:
One-pot pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to serve it with something else, here are a few ideas:
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A glass of red wine or a cold beer
Conclusion:
One-pot pasta is a quick and delicious dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
You can cook an easy dinner that is pleasing to every member of your family by using just a handful of ingredients and cooking everything in one pot.
By experimenting with various ingredients and flavors, you can change the recipe.
Additionally, it is an excellent idea to serve it as an entire meal with a side salad or garlic bread.
