Easy Weekday Dinners: A Delicious One-Pot Pasta

In today’s busy world, finding a simple yet satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes is key for many home cooks. The One-Pot Pasta has become a favorite among families and individuals who appreciate convenience and flavor without the fuss of multiple pots or complicated recipes. This dish not only serves up to four people but also requires minimal cleanup, making it an excellent choice for busy nights.

The main ingredients you'll need include pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, garlic, onions, carrots, bell peppers, and optional add-ins such as mushrooms or spinach. The cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, including the boiling of the pasta. Let’s dive into how to make this quick and easy meal!

Ingredients

Pasta: Any type (penne, fusilli, rigatoni) – 8 ounces
Ground beef or Italian sausage – 1 pound
Marinara sauce – 3 cups
Fresh garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Onions – 2 medium, chopped finely
Carrots – 2 large, peeled and sliced thinly
Bell peppers (any color) – 1 large, diced
Mushrooms or spinach (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Cheese: Parmesan or mozzarella shreds (optional)
Red wine (optional for enhancing flavor)

Instructions

Begin by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. This should take about 10 minutes.
In the meantime, prepare all other vegetables and aromatics. Finely chop the onions and slice or dice the carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms if you’re using them. Set everything aside on a cutting board.
Once your pasta is ready, strain it and set it aside in a large pot or Dutch oven (if you have one), reserving some of the starchy water from boiling for later.
Add 1/4 cup of olive oil to the same pot. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about a minute. Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly while breaking up any large lumps with your spoon. Drain off excess fat if necessary.
Next, add in the chopped onions, carrots, bell peppers (or other vegetables), and mushrooms or spinach. Stir these into the cooked meat for about two minutes until they begin to soften. If you want a deeper flavor, consider adding red wine at this stage which will also help deglaze the pan.
Finally, stir in your marinara sauce along with some of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. The amount you add may depend on how salty your specific brand of marinara is; keep this in mind as you adjust seasoning.
Return the drained pasta back into the pot. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Top with grated Parmesan or mozzarella for extra flavor and texture if desired before serving immediately!

Tips & Tricks

To make this dish even more delicious, try some of these variations:

For a creamier version, stir in half-and-half at the end.
If you’re craving something different from traditional marinara sauce, consider trying Alfredo or pesto for a change.
Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to give it an extra pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Time & Serving Size

This quick dinner comes together in about 25 minutes, serving four people comfortably. It's the perfect meal for those nights when you want something filling yet easy enough to throw together without too much effort.

Conclusion

The One-Pot Pasta is a versatile dish that can be customized based on personal preferences and what’s already in your fridge or pantry. Whether you're looking for an affordable family dinner or simply want something hearty to enjoy on your own, this recipe delivers both flavor and simplicity. Try it out the next time you're short on time but still want to treat yourself (or your loved ones) right!