Easy One Pot Pasta

Looking for a quick, delicious one-pot pasta dish? This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and comforting without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.

This simple yet satisfying meal comes together in about 30 minutes and serves four people. The key to this dish's success lies in the balance between the pasta, sauce, and vegetables—each component playing a harmonious role to create a flavorful experience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or your preferred type of pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh spinach or other leafy greens
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Grated Parmesan for serving (if not using pre-grated)

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes for spaghetti. Reserve about half a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.

3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer while the pasta finishes cooking.

4. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it reserving some of the cooking water. Add the drained pasta back to the skillet along with the spinach or leafy greens. Stir gently until they wilt slightly.

5. Add half a cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, and toss everything together. If you like your sauce thicker, add more pasta water gradually, adjusting the consistency as desired. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor at the end.

6. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan on top.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

This recipe provides a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it an ideal choice for a balanced diet. A serving size of one cup contains approximately 350 calories, with around 14g of protein, 63g of carbohydrate, and only about 10g of fat.

Tips and Variations

To make this dish more filling or to suit different taste preferences, here are some variations:

• Add chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Sautéed chicken breasts or peeled and deveined shrimp can be added into the skillet along with the garlic and onion. This will add a burst of flavor and texture while increasing the nutritional profile.
• Incorporate mushrooms for depth of flavor. Adding sliced mushrooms to the sautéing stage alongside the onions can provide an earthy, rich taste that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
• Use different types of pasta or even rice for variety. Experiment with penne, fusilli, or even a mix of grains like quinoa or farro. This will change the texture and nutritional profile slightly but keep the flavor intact.

In conclusion, this one-pot pasta is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with a simple yet impressive meal, this recipe offers versatility and satisfaction every time. Enjoy your cooking and savor each bite!