Delicious One-Pot Pasta Recipe

In this article, we will guide you through making a quick and easy one-pot pasta recipe that is sure to please everyone at the table. This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, yielding four satisfying servings.

Cooking time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4

Ingredients You Will Need:

• 1 lb (about 450 grams) of your favorite pasta type. Penne or fusilli work well in this recipe.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing garlic and vegetables.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 1 cup (about 200 grams) of cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Begin by gathering all ingredients and setting up your cooking area. This recipe is best made in a large pot or Dutch oven that can comfortably accommodate the pasta, vegetables, and sauce without overcrowding.

Sautéing the Garlic and Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your pan over medium heat. Once it's heated through but not yet smoking, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they start to soften and become translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add the shredded carrot to this mixture next. Continue cooking until the carrots are slightly tender; this will be around another 5 minutes or so. Finally, toss in the cherry tomatoes and sauté for an additional minute or two. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Adding Pasta: Now it’s time to add the pasta directly into the pan where you have been preparing the vegetables. Make sure not to overfill; give yourself enough space in the pot so that when the water is added, it doesn’t overflow. The pasta should be able to move freely within the pan while still being tightly packed.

For whole wheat or other denser varieties of pasta, you might want to cook them for a bit longer than usual – about 9-10 minutes from this point onwards. If using regular white pasta, check it after 7 minutes. Pasta should be al dente; meaning it has bite and isn’t overcooked.

Adding Sauce: Towards the end of your cooking time for the pasta (when about 3-4 minutes remain), stir in a few tablespoons of water to help create a sauce. You can also add some of the reserved cooking liquid if you prefer a thicker consistency. Stir frequently as the pasta absorbs this moisture, turning it into a creamy sauce that coats every noodle.

Once the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened nicely, turn off the heat but keep the pot on low to allow everything to meld together further. Sprinkle over some Parmesan cheese if desired for added flavor and texture. A pinch of red pepper flakes could also be added here if you enjoy a little extra spice.

Serving: Divide your deliciously prepared pasta among plates or bowls, garnishing each one with additional grated Parmesan if liked. Serve immediately while hot to fully appreciate all the flavors!

Conclusion

This simple yet tasty recipe demonstrates how versatile cooking can be when using just a few basic ingredients combined creatively in one pot. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need something quick yet flavorful without sacrificing quality.

The one-pot pasta dish not only saves time but also ensures minimal clean-up thanks to its convenient preparation method. With this knowledge, go ahead and experiment with different types of pasta or try adding other vegetables as per your taste buds’ whims!