Delicious One-Pot Pasta: A Quick and Easy Meal

One-pot pasta has been a favorite among busy cooks for its convenience and delicious taste. This recipe is designed to be simple but flavorful, making it perfect for those looking for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute lunches. With just a few ingredients, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal in no time at all.

The key to this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients and cooking process. Typically, one-pot pasta recipes consist mainly of pasta, vegetables, and proteins like chicken, meatballs, or seafood, combined with a flavorful sauce such as marinara, Alfredo, or pesto. In today’s recipe, we'll focus on creating a tasty one-pot pasta dish that highlights the versatility and deliciousness of this cooking method.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spirals)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Boil a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add cherry tomatoes to the garlic mixture and cook for an additional minute or two until slightly softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat while continuing to cook your pasta.
Once the pasta is done cooking but still has some bite, drain the water and add back into the saucepan with the tomato mixture. Stir well so that all strands of pasta are coated evenly with the sauce.
Let the pasta simmer together for about 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld nicely before serving hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Tips and Variations

To make it heartier, add cooked chicken breast or diced sausage into the pasta during the final stages of cooking.
For extra creaminess, whisk in a bit of heavy cream right at the end before serving.
If you prefer more vegetable-based flavors over meaty ones, simply increase the amount of fresh spinach and bell peppers while reducing the quantity of chicken broth or omitting it altogether for a vegetarian version.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The nutritional values provided are approximate based on one serving size:

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 750mg
Total Carbohydrate: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 25g

Conclusion

Cooking one-pot pasta can be incredibly rewarding when done right. Not only does it save time, but also effort by eliminating the need for multiple pots and utensils. By following this simple yet tasty recipe, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in less than an hour. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or add your favorite ingredients like olives, capers, or even herbs like basil depending on what suits your taste best.

One-pot pasta is versatile enough for both beginners and seasoned chefs alike. Its simplicity allows you to focus more on enjoying the meal rather than worrying about complex recipes. So why not give it a try tonight? Your family will surely appreciate the ease and deliciousness of this comforting dish!