Easy One-Pot Pasta with Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes

One-pot pasta dishes have become incredibly popular over the past few years due to their convenience and delicious taste. This easy one-pot pasta recipe features zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a simple marinara sauce that comes together in no time at all. You can enjoy this dish as a light lunch or a comforting dinner for your family.

The cooking time for this pasta dish is approximately 20 minutes, and it serves four people. This meal is perfect for those days when you want something quick yet satisfying without too much hassle in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of penne pasta (or any other type of pasta)
• 1 large zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the zucchini. Slice it into rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife, making sure they are all of similar thickness for even cooking.

Meanwhile, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes if they are large; otherwise, leave them whole. This will make your pasta dish look more appealing once it is ready to be served.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm but not smoking, add the garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant but are not yet golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will impart an unpleasant flavor to your dish.

Next, throw in the sliced zucchini and sauté for a few minutes until softened slightly, about 5-6 minutes. During this time, you may notice that some liquid starts forming from the zucchini; this is completely normal and adds moisture to the dish later on.

While the zucchini is cooking, add your pasta. Stir gently at first but then let it sink into the water, as the pasta will need to cook in this mixture rather than separately. For optimal results, the pasta should be al dente, meaning it has a slight resistance when bitten - about 10 minutes for penne or any similar pasta type.

After the pasta and zucchini have been cooking together for around 7-8 minutes (depending on how firm you like your pasta), add in the cherry tomatoes. If they are large, halve them again to ensure quick cooking times.

Let everything simmer until the pasta is done, which usually takes between 10 and 12 minutes depending on the type of pasta used. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference towards the end of cooking time so that you can taste the sauce properly without overcooking your dish. Taste before adding more seasoning because every palate differs.

If you prefer, you could also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over top for extra flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended as it adds a delightful touch to the overall texture and taste of this pasta dish.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (without cheese): Calories: ~350, Protein: 14g, Carbohydrates: 60g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 7g. Please note that these values may vary slightly based on specific ingredient choices and quantities used.

Tips & Variations

1. For a more robust flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes or fresh basil leaves during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. If you're looking to make this meal heartier, consider doubling up on either the zucchini or cherry tomatoes. You could also add a handful of spinach towards the end for added nutrients and color.
3. To reduce calorie intake while maintaining flavor, substitute part or all of the olive oil with chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.

This easy one-pot pasta recipe showcases simplicity at its finest, bringing together classic ingredients in an effortless manner. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress both family members and friends alike. Enjoy your meal!