Easy One Pot Pasta with Marinara Sauce

One pot pasta dishes have become increasingly popular among busy home cooks who want to simplify their meal preparation without sacrificing flavor or taste.

This one pot pasta recipe is an excellent example of how easy and delicious a homemade meal can be. It requires minimal effort while delivering big flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners as well as casual entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (about 1 ¾ cups) of elbow pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes with basil and oregano
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

1. Boil a large pot of water and salt it generously. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; this usually takes around 8-10 minutes for elbow macaroni. Drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of cooking liquid.
2. In a large skillet or saucepan with deep enough sides that won't overflow during boiling time, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add finely chopped onion and garlic to the pot; sauté until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Stir in diced tomatoes along with basil and oregano. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Return drained pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta cooking water or chicken broth if needed until the sauce becomes thick enough that it coats your pasta without being overly runny.
6. Taste and season with additional salt as required. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper over top for extra flavor if desired.
7. Serve hot, garnished optionally with more fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan on each plate.

Additional Tips:

For those who love vegetables, you can add bell peppers and zucchini to the mix. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and throw them in alongside the onions and garlic when they're added to the pan. This makes the dish more filling.

If you want a richer sauce, try replacing part or all of the water with chicken broth. You can also use vegetable broth for a low-carb option or beef broth if you prefer something different from the classic marinara taste.

This recipe is quite versatile and adaptable to your preference. Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite ingredients like olives, capers, spinach, etc., while keeping in mind that balance between flavors will be key for a harmonious dish.

Storage and Safety:

The leftover pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it can keep fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions of the meal individually wrapped. Reheating can be done either directly on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion:

This one pot pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. The combination of pasta, robust marinara sauce, and optional garnishes like Parmesan cheese creates an appealing visual and delightful taste experience. With its ease of preparation and versatile nature, it's sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotations.

Bonus Tip: Pair this pasta dish with a green salad or bread for a well-rounded meal that caters perfectly to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike!