Quick and Delicious One-Pot Pasta: A Perfect Weeknight Meal

One-pot pasta dishes have become incredibly popular among busy families looking for quick, flavorful meals that require minimal effort. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re short on time but still craving something hearty and satisfying. In this article, we will walk you through how to make a tasty one-pot pasta dish that can be ready in about 20 minutes.

For four servings, you will need the following ingredients:

• Penne pasta (4 cups)
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth (1 quart)
• Tomato sauce (1 can)
• Fresh basil (a handful)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cheese for serving (optional, such as Parmesan)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

To start with the recipe, begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add penne pasta and cook it until al dente—approximately 8 to 10 minutes depending on your preferred texture. During this time, heat olive oil in another skillet over medium heat.

While the pasta is cooking, pour the chicken broth or vegetable broth into the same pot used for boiling water. Once the broth starts simmering gently, add a can of tomato sauce to it. You may adjust seasoning at this point by adding salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Stir well so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

When the pasta is ready after being cooked al dente, drain it thoroughly but reserve about half a cup of the cooking liquid. This will help in creating a creamy sauce while preventing the dish from becoming too watery. Pour the drained penne back into the pot containing simmering broth and tomato sauce mixture.

Immediately stir together all components ensuring they are well combined. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water if you feel that your dish needs more consistency. Bring everything to a light boil again before turning off heat right away to avoid overcooking or burning the pasta and sauces.

In a separate pan, sauté fresh basil leaves briefly until just wilted—this adds flavor without adding extra moisture. Once done, toss these into your main pot with the cooked penne pasta along with cheese (if desired).

Allow this delightful dish to simmer for another couple of minutes allowing flavors to meld together before serving hot. Serve immediately alongside garlic bread or salad if you like. This simple one-pot pasta can be a great way to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Nutritional Information:

The exact nutritional information might vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, but here is an approximate breakdown per serving:

1. Calories: 400 kcal
2. Total Fat: 12g
3. Saturated Fat: 3g
4. Total Carbohydrates: 65g
5. Fiber: 8g
6. Sugars: 5g
7. Protein: 24g
8. Sodium: 500mg

This quick and delicious one-pot pasta is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying yet straightforward. Feel free to experiment by adding different types of herbs or vegetables according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your meal!