Delicious One-Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta dishes have been gaining popularity due to their simplicity and efficiency in meal preparation. Today we're going to explore a delightful one-pot pasta recipe. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred type of pasta
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Olive oil

Cooking time: Approximately 40 minutes. Serves 4.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing them until they become translucent.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together to combine well. Season with salt as needed.
5. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it but save a little bit of pasta water before adding back into the pot. This helps create a rich sauce consistency.
6. Mix the sautéed ingredients and the drained pasta in one pot, stirring to ensure that all components are well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish or directly bake it in your stove’s oven if you don’t have an oven-safe pot. Cover with foil and allow this to bake for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
8. After baking, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Tips:

• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms if you wish to include more nutrients and flavors.
• To make the dish creamier, add a small amount of heavy cream towards the end before serving.
• This dish is also tasty with added pepperoni slices. Just ensure that they are cooked through before adding them back into the pasta.

Enjoy this one-pot pasta as it is served hot, either directly from the baking dish or as you plate each portion on a plate. This meal is comforting and satisfying, providing a balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. It’s not only delicious but also efficient in terms of time management when you're trying to prepare meals for yourself or your family.

Health Benefits:

• Pasta provides complex carbohydrates which give you sustained energy.
• The tomatoes add antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Bell peppers provide vitamins A, C, and K, contributing to immune function and bone health.
• Garlic has been associated with various health benefits including antibacterial properties and boosting the immune system.

By incorporating this one-pot pasta recipe into your weekly meal rotation, you not only enjoy a delicious dish but also benefit from its nutritional value. This versatile recipe can be adapted to accommodate different dietary needs or preferences by adjusting ingredients like using whole wheat noodles for those on a gluten-free diet.

Storage:

• Pasta dishes such as this one can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 4-5 days if kept properly covered. However, it is recommended to consume them while they are still fresh after being prepared.
• If you want to make a larger batch for leftovers, consider freezing portions individually wrapped so that each portion thawed separately will taste as good as freshly made.

Give this one-pot pasta recipe a try in your kitchen. It's simple enough for beginners yet flavorful enough to impress even the most experienced cooks. With its straightforward preparation, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!