Deliciously Simple One-Pot Pasta: A Quick Weeknight Meal

One-pot pasta dishes have been gaining popularity among busy cooks looking for quick and easy weeknight meals. These recipes combine the flavors of various ingredients in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while satisfying your hunger with minimal effort.

For this recipe, we'll be preparing a simple yet delicious One-Pot Pasta with Tomatoes and Cream. This dish is perfect for those days when you want to indulge in a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The cooking time for this pasta dish is around 20-30 minutes, depending on how al dente you like your pasta, and it serves two generous portions.

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound of elbow macaroni
2. 4 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1 medium onion, chopped fine
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
5. 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
6. 1 cup heavy cream
7. Salt and pepper to taste
8. ½ teaspoon dried oregano
9. ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water heats up, prepare your vegetables and seasonings.

• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 10 minutes).
• In a separate pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the onions and garlic for about 3-4 minutes or until they start to soften. Add the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
• As soon as the pasta is ready, drain it thoroughly but reserve some cooking water. Toss the pasta into your saucepan with the tomato mixture. If necessary, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help blend everything smoothly without making it too watery.

Allow the pasta and sauce to mix for another couple of minutes so that flavors meld together perfectly. Taste-test and adjust seasoning as needed before serving immediately.

Tips:

• To add extra flavor, you can top your dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or even a sprinkle of basil leaves right before serving.
• If you want to make it heartier, consider adding cooked chicken breast or shrimp into the mix.

Conclusion:

This one-pot pasta recipe offers simplicity and deliciousness in every bite. Not only does it save time during dinner preparation but also ensures that each dish is packed with flavor from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will provide both beginners and experienced chefs alike with an easy yet impressive option for busy weeknights.

With its minimal ingredient list and straightforward cooking process, this dish makes it possible for anyone to enjoy a comforting meal at home. It’s ideal for those who are looking to reduce food waste by making use of common pantry staples like canned tomatoes or cream. Plus, leftovers can be enjoyed cold the next day as well!

So why not try this recipe today? With just 20-30 minutes investment in your kitchen time, you could soon be savoring a home-cooked dinner that tastes fantastic and leaves everyone satisfied at the table.