Perfectly Balanced One-Pot Pasta

A quick and delicious one-pot pasta dish that is both satisfying and comforting. This perfect blend of flavors comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal meal for busy weeknights or a leisurely dinner with family.

This recipe focuses on creating a balanced dish that offers a harmonious mix of ingredients, including fresh vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce. The key to this pasta is its simplicity; minimal effort yields big results. Below you'll find the list of ingredients needed along with step-by-step cooking instructions.

Ingredients

• 300g elbow macaroni or your preferred type of pasta
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (depending on your preference)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Cooking Instructions

To start: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.

1. In the meantime, prepare all your vegetables by chopping them finely as mentioned in the ingredient list above.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the red bell pepper and continue to stir until it starts softening up slightly.
4. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reserve about a cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta well but set aside some of the pasta water for later use if needed to thin out the sauce or add more creaminess.
5. Pour the reserved pasta cooking water into the skillet with the vegetables and mix everything together over medium heat. This will create a light creamy consistency without adding extra ingredients.
6. Now, stir in the cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another couple of minutes to allow them to warm through but not burst completely.
7. Add your cooked pasta back into the skillet along with freshly chopped basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper as per your taste preferences.
8. Taste test the dish; if it needs more creaminess or seasoning, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over it for a richer flavor.

Final Steps & Serving Suggestions

To finish: Serve immediately while hot. This pasta dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread on the side and a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the meal.

6. You can also serve this over a bed of leafy greens or as an open-faced sandwich with slices of mozzarella cheese, for something more substantial.

Cooking Time & Number of Servings

The entire process from start to finish takes approximately 30 minutes. This recipe serves four people comfortably. If you’re looking for a heartier meal or planning on having leftovers, feel free to double the quantities accordingly.

Tips: You can adjust this dish according to your dietary preferences. For instance, if you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Similarly, omitting cheese makes it suitable for dairy-free individuals while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approx 350
• Total Fat: < 1g
• Saturated Fat: < 1g
• Cholesterol: < 20mg
• Sodium: Approx. 400 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: Approx. 65g
• Fiber: Approx. 3g
• Sugar: Approx. 7g
• Protein: Approx. 15g

This balanced one-pot pasta is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients from its diverse array of vegetables and proteins. It’s versatile enough for various dietary needs yet remains simple, making it a go-to meal when you want something comforting yet wholesome.